“Sick at the office” – what speaks for quarantine – and what against it

For example, complexity researcher Peter Klimek thinks a quarantine is justified, we reported. He does, however, advocate the reintroduction of a mask requirement indoors. The AK meanwhile fears – if the previously leaked government plans are implemented – conflicts within the labor force or between employees and employers.

The “Krone” has now taken a closer look at the situation and summarizes the pros and cons.

What speaks for a quarantine:

• Personally do not stand: If employees test positive, they will be quarantined for a minimum of five days — regardless of whether they are contagious or not. The effects of this have been experienced by travelers who are stranded at airports due to staff shortages. Recently, more and more critical institutions such as hospitals have drawn attention to the danger.

• Many secret tests: There were 2.2 million tests on December 27, 2021 – the high. Currently there are between 50,000 and 100,000. Why? Many rely on a living room test if necessary. If the result is positive, the result will be kept secret for fear of the official quarantine – and the inconveniences up to and including job disadvantages. Without quarantine, the number of unreported positive cases could decrease.

• New freedom: Instead of being isolated in your own apartment for days, the freedom of movement of corona-positive people is hardly restricted.

What speaks against a quarantine:

• More infections: Until now, the CT value was considered a free ticket from quarantine. This is to prevent contagious infected people from infecting others without symptoms. By design, masks should now take over this task – but those affected should wear them consistently and correctly…

• Conflicts in the workplace: The AK fears that abolishing the quarantine would fuel internal conflicts, which would have a general negative effect on the working atmosphere and the feeling of safety among employees: From a purely legal point of view, the sick should never be forced to work, but the reality is often otherwise.

• Danger for vulnerable groups: If infected people perform services in nursing homes, hospitals or kindergartens, it poses a risk to the patients or children. Reliable, new protection concepts would therefore be necessary.

Finally, the Chamber of Labor tells the federal government: “We certainly see the danger that people with Covid 19 symptoms could find themselves in pressure situations, especially against the background of a degenerating wave of inflation.” It should be in the interest of society as a whole not to let people in our country choose between their health and their job.