Merkel in Quarantine After Contact With Infected Doctor

[left-of-center2012]

Source: Bloomberg

Angela Merkel’s ability to effectively direct Germany’s coronavirus response was thrown into question after the chancellor quarantined herself at home following contact with a doctor who later tested positive for the disease.

The doctor gave Merkel, 65, a precautionary immunization against bacterial pneumonia on Friday and the chancellor decided to self-isolate once she learned of his positive test, government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Sunday. Merkel -- who suffered a health scare last year with unexplained shaking fits -- will be regularly tested in coming days and perform her duties from home, Seibert added.

Shortly before the announcement, Merkel spoke at a news conference following consultations with regional leaders. She detailed new restrictions to try to contain the spread of the virus and was asked how she is dealing personally with the situation.

“I’ve canceled almost all appointments where people would have come into the chancellery or where I would have gone to people,” she said. “So my life has also changed fundamentally and consists mainly of telephone and video conferences.”

Read more: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-22/merkel-in-quarantine-at-home-after-contact-with-infected-doctor

[jimfields33]

1. Now that's bad

Do they have a second in charge to take over temporarily?

[jimfields33]

2. I know she says she'll continue but what if she can't?

[IronLionZion]

3. A good reminder for people to get their immunization against bacterial pneumonia

My doctor's office called me up 2 weeks ago to come in and get my booster since I was overdue. This is probably something that most adults don't think about. You do NOT want to have pneumonia and get COVID-19. Americans younger than me have died from that already.

It's up to you if it's worth the risk of going in when a doctor or other medical professional may be carrying COVID-19, but I'm sure glad I got my shot.

[murielm99]

4. My husband and I got our immunization

against pneumonia right at the start of this. We knew we needed at least some form of protection for what is coming.

This is a good reminder. Thank you.

[BGBD]

5. Not sure

but Merkel might be at a lower risk from this kind of exposure than others. The Doctor should and likely was wearing some level of PPE when he interacted with her. Probably gloves for sure and given the current situation probably mask. If he was only around her for a few minutes and was wearing PPE, it should reduce the chance of transmission. Of course, reduced risk isn't no risk.

[Ms. Toad]

7. Mine wasn't a week ago . . . n/t

[IronLionZion]

8. For a routine immunization, they probably don't wear any PPE

I got this exact shot 2 weeks ago, they didn't wear PPE.

[BGBD]

9. yeah..

not gloves? that's crazy given the high chance of contact with blood.

[IronLionZion]

10. They wore gloves, not masks

The whole time I was there only the receptionist wore a mask.

[mahina]

6. Wish for a very good luck to Angela Merkey, leader of the free world