German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said that “the long-term health consequences experienced by some after being infected with the emerging corona virus pose a problem not only for those infected, but also for the health sector and society as a whole, as well as for the labor market.”

In statements to the German newspaper Zeit, Lauterbach explained that “we do not have the absorbing capacity necessary to provide care in many cases, and there are not enough specialist doctors and places for treatment, we still do not have medicines,” noting that ” they are underestimated.” In general, the problems associated with infection with the so-called long-term Covid.

And the German minister considered that “this will also affect the labor market, because, unfortunately, many will not return to their previous efficiency after this,” and expressed the hope of “getting a vaccine that helps in the conditions of infection with Omicron.” strain because there is hope that this vaccine will not protect. It not only prevents the dangerous course of the disease, but also protects against infection and therefore against prolonged Covid.”

And the German health minister said in a statement on social media that “every infection with the new coronavirus carries a long-term risk of contracting Covid.”

According to a data assessment of insured persons at a health insurance company in Germany published last Wednesday, “1 percent of workers who contracted the Corona virus in 2020 took sick leave in 2021 based on their long-term Covid diagnosis.”