… that’s what the German ambassador is said to have told the Austrian ambassador around the time of World War I. I’ll tell you what the Austrian ambassador replied at the end; for now, here are the facts and our conclusions on how to act sensibly:
Facts:
- The Delta variant is highly contagious and has changed the game.
- Vaccines continue to be very effective at preventing severe cases, but
After 2–3 months, you’re no longer as protected against infection. It’s still pretty good, but not good enough to let you go about your business completely freely.
People are contagious several days before symptoms appear; many people have asymptomatic cases and don’t notice anything at all.
- PCR tests detect the virus itself and can also identify early cases, while antigen tests detect “dead viruses,” meaning they only show a positive result once the initial infection phase is over. That takes a few days.
- A booster shot then provides significantly improved protection—likely including protection against infection—and this protection lasts over the long term.
- The current situation will lead to infections—and potentially serious consequences—especially among people who have not been vaccinated. Depending on age group and pre-existing conditions, severe cases are to be expected.
Our approach:
Give people who are contagious the opportunity to isolate themselves immediately so they don’t spread the virus.
Prevent infections for as long as possible to avoid overburdening hospitals—this isn’t just about beds for COVID-19 patients, but for all critically ill patients.
In the medium term, infections cannot be prevented; we realize that.
Our derivations for the TFU:
- Everyone on the team gets tested at least 3 times a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday; if they are not vaccinated, every day.
- We get tested at home, so that anyone who tests positive doesn’t even set foot in the building.
- Room air filters are in operation and centrally located. Masks are worn depending on the situation and, of course, in accordance with state guidelines.
Tests at our facility at cost
We provide the antigen tests to all partner companies in our buildings and to all startups at cost. We prefer saliva tests—with such frequent testing, people simply prefer that to having to poke around in their noses.
Current price: EUR 2.54 plus VAT. Test strips are even cheaper.
Vaccinations—do they still make a difference?
Getting vaccinated still makes sense, even now:
After 6 weeks at the latest (first dose now—second dose after 4 weeks plus 2 weeks, until immunity has developed), you’ll have very good protection for the winter—not only against severe illness, but also against infection and the ability to spread the virus.
It’s certainly easier to get through these six weeks of testing and following the AHA guidelines than to be on guard all winter long and keep producing large amounts of testing waste.
Everyone who has already been vaccinated should get a booster shot after (at the latest) 6 months, since the situation has simply changed with the Delta variant.
Science
We rely on evidence-based science and follow the findings of experts; this approach has served us well since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The questions I asked myself at the beginning have been answered definitively and scientifically after several billion vaccinations. I am convinced that immunization through vaccination is significantly better than immunization through infection.
The idea of protecting yourself so well that you don’t get infected at all is not feasible. The virus is here to stay; we must now ensure that the situation becomes endemic as soon as possible. That means everyone is immune in some way. Even people who are immune will get reinfected regularly.
So, as far as I can tell, the only choice is between getting vaccinated and eventually getting infected anyway. Personally, I consider the risk of getting sick to be significantly higher than the risk of infection, especially since it also affects others who might unintentionally spread the disease to others.
Business and Startups
What we shouldn’t forget: People are worn down, the economy is suffering, and many in the retail and restaurant industries simply can’t take it anymore. Another winter with the brakes on? We shouldn’t put anyone through that.
So join in, help people who have questions, and be kind to everyone who hasn’t been vaccinated yet. We should counter misinformation with scientifically proven facts and not accept mere opinions as facts. I’m convinced that, on this basis, a constructive dialogue is possible.
And finally, here’s the explanation for the quote from the beginning: the Austrian ambassador is said to have replied, “The situation is hopeless, but not serious.”
Nothing is hopeless, but we should take things seriously while still looking to the future with confidence. We can do this. But it could—and must—happen faster!
Wishing you continued success with your fact-based startup, and see you soon
Yours,
Ulrike
