Challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic: German strategy
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Date
2020-06-20
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Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University
Abstract
Strategies to combat global pandemics around the world include more or less strict quarantine or other restrictions. Nevertheless, the results achieved in the fight against coronavirus infection are different for all countries.
The number of people infected with COVID-19 in Germany is one of the highest in the world, however, the mortality rate (1.6%) is lower than in Italy (12%), Spain, France and the United Kingdom (10%), China (4%) and the United Kingdom. In the States (3%).
Germany works best among European countries in the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is evidenced by the results of a study conducted by experts from the Deep Knowledge Group. Germany ranks second in the world in terms of world security among countries that operate effectively in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. In the list of 40 countries published on the official page of Deep Knowledge Group, Germany lags behind only Israel.
Reconstruction credit bank has a special role in the history of Germany in critical situations. During the pandemic, the Reconstruction Credit Bank will issue any loans to entrepreneurs so that companies do not stop working due to lack of funds. In order to save the economy, the government is ready to take over the management of strategically important companies.
Despite the adoption of restrictive measures, most of the country's factories continue to operate. The main factor in the smooth operation of German production in the face of the pandemic is the introduction of digital technology in production systems long before. They created the "Industrial 4.0 Strategy", which involves training German companies for the fourth industrial revolution, or digital age. Germany has more ability and opportunity to protect the industry from the devastating effects of a pandemic.
Germany’s success is linked to an efficient healthcare system. Germany spends $ 5,033.45 per capita per year on health care, which is significantly higher than in other countries.
Another important factor in success is the sufficient number of hospitals and medical staff, hospital equipment. In Germany, the number of beds per 100,000 population is the highest in the European region. Germany is better equipped with artificial lung ventilation devices than other countries. Also, Germany has the opportunity to produce medical equipment and medicines inside the country.
From the beginning of the spread of the infection in Germany, the laboratories already had a supply of diagnostic tests and, as a result, soon began mass testing. Early and mass testing has made it possible to identify patients with asymptomatic infections and mild severity in order to isolate them immediately, which has dramatically slowed the spread of the virus. The testing was particularly effective for medical personnel who had direct contact with those infected.
The Robert Koch Institute has developed a control app that allows to collect data on the geographical distribution of Coronavirus. Experts attribute the success to the public's confidence in the government. Merkel's plan is based on the recommendations of the Robert Koch Research Institute.
It may be too early to draw a conclusion from the global pandemic, but one thing is clear: the pursuit of technological innovation allows Germany to relatively reduce the negative consequences of a pandemic.
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Keywords
COVID-19, Global Pandemic, Healthcare System, Germany
Citation
Tengiz Verulava. Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic: German strategy. The 8th International Scientific Conference “Space, Society, Politics”. Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. 25-27 June, 2020.