German doctors warn of second wave of coronary before holidays

Max Geraedts, a doctor and health researcher at the University of Marburg, told the DPA news agency that large gatherings could lead to “another sharp increase of” of infections.

If you walk alone on the beach, no matter where the world is, then, of course, it doesn't matter,” he said. “But when you go to a bar where there are many people, it can have unpleasant results. ”

Geraedts said tourist destinations could be responsible for a second exponential increase in cases later returned to visitors' seats.

He also warned that medical care abroad may not be as good as in Germany, especially if a traveler becomes seriously ill with COVID-19.

“In countries where there is weaker health care, it is especially dangerous for people who are already at risk”, Geraedts added.

He said vacationers also risk endangering the local population.

Another medical expert, Hajo Zeep, from the Leibniz Institute for Research and Prevention, and Bremen Epidemiology warned that there is still not enough immunity in the population to prevent a second wave.

Taking into account that a very small portion of the population is likely immune so far, it is clear that the virus can spread quickly if the conditions are right”, Zeep told the DPA.

Studies in Sweden and Italy last week showed that only about 7% of their respective population have antibodies for COVID-19, a sign that immunity to the disease in Europe may still be far away.

Germany has begun removing several deadlock measures earlier this month, allowing the opening of bars, restaurants, hair salons and retail shops.

The country's tourism industry has received a boost, as hotels and holiday homes are told they can welcome guests under certain conditions and depending on state regulations.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and his counterparts in other European Union states have said travel restrictions to European countries could be lifted by mid-June.