- Cold wave in MV - peak in sick leave
Sick Leave Due to Respiratory Issues Reaches Peak in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
The number of sick leaves due to respiratory issues has reached a record high in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, according to an analysis by Barmer, the second-largest statutory health insurer in the state with 267,000 insured members. Between early June and early July, 132 to 156 out of every 10,000 people eligible for sick pay were affected by conditions such as bronchitis and colds. In 2020, this number was only 33 to 37.
The State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lagus) also reports a noticeable increase in infections for this time of year. For instance, many more influenza cases have been reported compared to last year: 54 cases in the past ten weeks, compared to only 22 in the same period last year.
However, the difference in COVID-19 infections from last year is not as significant. According to Barmer's study, only 6 to 7% of cases required a COVID-related sick leave. In 2022, this number was 37 to 46%, although more people were tested for COVID-19 that year.
Despite the surge in respiratory issues, the maximum level of COVID-19-related sick leaves has notably increased, with 37 to 46% of cases requiring time off in 2022. It's worth noting that the maximum level of sick leaves due to respiratory problems, such as bronchitis and colds, exceeded the 2020 figures, reaching 132 to 156 cases per 10,000 eligible individuals between early June and early July.
