The World Cup will be held in winter for the first time – virologist Streeck believes that this should result in an increase in corona infections. During the cold season, fans will probably gather indoors to watch football instead of outdoors. But there is also good news.
The Bonn virologist Hendrik Streeck expects an increase in infectious diseases when many people watch the World Cup games in Qatar together in winter. At the same time, the doctor advocates staying calm if there are swelling waves of the disease. You can deal with it, he said.
The reason for the expected increase in infections is that the World Cup – unlike usual – takes place in the cold season, explained Streeck. “We can no longer – like in previous years – watch the games outside, for example at public viewing, but will be indoors,” he said. You sit close together, the ventilation is often poor. In addition, the relocation coincides with a time when infections are increasing anyway – not only with Corona. Therefore, he expects more illnesses during the World Cup.
However, he also advises pragmatism, should it happen, said Streeck. “I think we’ll be able to handle it.” It’s then about “personal responsibility” and about raising awareness. “If you get a cough and runny nose, you shouldn’t visit your grandmother in the old people’s home,” Streeck gave as an example. If you want to be careful, you can also look for a group with which you always watch football together. “So to speak, a “look-family”,” said Streeck. “This can curb infections from spreading beyond a certain circle.”
Streeck referred to the Kiel Week and the Oktoberfest – two major events in recent months. “In both cases you saw an increase in the incidence of infection afterwards,” he said. “But you could deal with that too.”
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will open on November 20th. The finale is scheduled just before Christmas – on December 18th. The tournament is controversial for various reasons. Qatar has been heavily criticized for human rights violations and the treatment of foreign workers.
Virologist Streeck said that his own enthusiasm for football was “limited” – but he had watched games with German participation in the past. “For me, however, they belong in the summer in terms of lifestyle. Finale and Christmas market – somehow that doesn’t go together for me,” he said. A football World Cup in winter is just one aspect that raises questions. “Doing it in a country where human rights are trampled on – I can’t understand that,” he added.