“Remain optimistic despite the crisis”
Experiences of disinfector and crime scene cleaner Marcell Engel
Frankfurt, November 20, 2020. Marcell Engel, managing director of the Frankfurt company Akut SOS Clean GmbH, has long made a name for himself beyond Germany as an expert in the field of crime scene cleaning and disinfection. As a specialist, he is often asked to give an opinion on technical issues and is often featured in the media. Below he answers questions about how the Corona epidemic has affected his business activities, how he personally deals with it and what is foreseeable in the wake of the so-called second wave.
What are your current experiences and observations after the exponential increase in corona infections and the current partial lockdown?
"The overall situation was and remains challenging. We are still receiving a large number of calls every day from companies, authorities and private individuals seeking help. Clubs and organizations that have had to close due to people testing positive are being hit particularly hard at the moment. They are currently unable to offer support to those in need of help. That is hard.
One of our experiences is that the first customers no longer pay their bills. What particularly affects me are the individual fates of our customers. We had callers hoping that if we disinfected their stores, business would get back on track. For them, the current situation is a catastrophe. A number of my customers that we looked after during the first lockdown are at their wits' end and can hardly or no longer maintain their business existence. Ten have already capitulated. We had customers who first called to get advice. And in the end we had to come in as crime scene cleaners. You committed suicide. We were confronted with this in three cases.
One consolation, however, is that many people are also reflecting on things during this time. Solidarity is palpable – despite the worries and fears for the future that are currently plaguing many.”
Does this affect your business operations?
"The pandemic has had a fundamental impact on our business activities. Before that, the proportion of orders for pure disinfection was around five to eight percent, today it is 50 percent. Numerous inquiries come in every day from concerned people. There are currently 14 major orders pending. But what has changed above all is that, in addition to our work, we often become advisors and comforters. But that is self-evident for me and my teams. We know that the current situation causes fear and uncertainty in many people. And we notice that Through the conversations, i.e. through the interpersonal contact that arises as part of our work, this is taken away to a certain extent. This is important to me and I am glad that my employees see it the same way.”
How do you assess further developments until spring?
"The current objective is to get the pandemic under control with vaccination in order to prevent the health system from being overloaded. I highly doubt that this will be possible until next spring. The current measures such as light lockdown will certainly be with us until Easter. Because the danger lies in the gathering of many people in closed rooms. So I only expect relief in late spring, when the temperatures rise and the number of infections fall. As was also foreseeable and the Virologists have been saying this for a long time - and subsequently the government too.
In this context, I would have liked the solidarity and personal responsibility of all population groups to have been appealed much more strongly from the beginning. Everyone is required here. Wearing nose and mouth protection should now be a matter of course. This not only protects against the corona virus, but also against other bacteria and germs. It is doubly useful, especially during the cold season. Likewise, keeping your distance. And very important: hygiene. It doesn't always have to be disinfected. Washing and drying your hands extensively and thoroughly is a must. And if necessary, disinfecting the so-called touch surfaces, i.e. door handles, handrails, light switches, doors, etc. If everyone sticks to this, a lot has already been achieved.
What do you think is generally important for dealing with the virus?
"On the part of all those responsible, I believe an open information policy is essential. We need clear rules to permanently and consistently anchor these measures. And people from a responsible side who communicate this clearly. In my opinion, there have been significant deficits on this point in the past. Especially in challenging times like this, it is important to educate people and take them along. Creating understanding and being in conversation with each other are the basis for this. If people understand why which measures are being taken and when, that increases their willingness to take part. There is There is still a lot of room for improvement on the political side.”
What effects does the pandemic have on your personal life?
“In summary, in the last few months, especially due to the lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic, I have observed a “back to the roots”. Spending time with family and friends has taken on a new quality. A personal lesson I'm drawing from this crisis: Health, family, love, friendship: That's what really matters. If we have that, then we can count ourselves lucky.”
Do you have any tips on how the battered industries and people in general can get through this time?
"Despite all the frustration and sometimes deprivation that people are now having to accept, optimism and creative ideas are more important than ever. In my environment, I see how, for example, restaurants are developing attractive ordering and pick-up offers, fitness studios are increasingly providing their members with online courses and many companies such as hotels are developing concepts for reopening. So, if at all possible, don't stand still, but look forward positively. Even if it is sometimes difficult. People need a goal and have to pursue it. Not on that Waiting for the world to look like it did before after the pandemic is the motto here.
And: practice self-care. That is an important keyword, especially in this situation. My motto in life is: “We live here and now”. In practical terms, this means making sure that I feel as good as possible. In the process, strengthen the immune system. I know from experience that your inner attitude has a big influence on your health: If you think positively, you will experience positive things - that is one of my life maxims. Otherwise, as already mentioned, pay attention to good hygiene, eat a healthy and balanced diet and - don't forget - exercise and relax. This creates a healthy foundation. And that is also possible in times like these. That is my firm belief.”
