Safe under the Christmas tree
Specialist Marcell Engel offers free hygiene guides
Frankfurt, December 11, 2020. Christmas is almost upon us and it is far from clear how and under what conditions it is even possible for families to come together for the celebration of love. One thing is certain: of course everyone wants to celebrate together. Marcell Engel, managing director of Akut SOS Clean GmbH, crime scene cleaner and special disinfector, has a lot of experience in dealing with pandemics and epidemics. He is a sought-after expert and has now developed a hygiene guide for careful and sensible interaction with one another, which is available for free download. In the interview he explains his motivations and the most important rules for dealing with them.
How did you come up with the idea for a hygiene guide?
"We still see that the experts argue and the countries present different instructions. My aim is to give practical and helpful tips for private individuals so that families can come together and at the same time know how best to protect themselves. Of course, what is most important is self-care and personal responsibility. That means implementing the really simple and effective measures that the guide provides. And that by each individual. Personally, it is also important to me to celebrate Christmas together with the family “And of course people of all ages come together there. Of course, some of them are particularly vulnerable because they are older or belong to the risk group for other reasons.”
What do your developed hygiene rules offer?
"First and foremost, I want to allay fears. In my personal opinion, this is a very important point. Many people are currently totally unsettled and want clarity. The guide is intended to help them to be and remain capable of acting and thereby reduce fears. The result is a step-by-step plan with solid recommendations that "young and old" should heed. If this happens, families will have a blessed Christmas this year too. That is my greatest wish.”
For example, what kind of recommendations are these?
"We have designed five steps in the step-by-step plan that are generally understandable and comprehensible. In the first step, we explain the main Corona risks and what helps against them in detail. This is also visually presented in such a way that it is easy to understand. The next step is the assessment of the risks. There is also a practical checklist that supports this. There is a guest list here, in which the 80-year-old Grandma Helene is entered as well as the two-year-old Emil. Concrete recommendations for action are then listed behind it. Another important point: “Where is the celebration?” Here too, users of the guide will find help as to which apartment or house is most suitable under Corona conditions. Of course, the size of the rooms and the availability of more than one bathroom play a role, to name two striking examples.”
What are the next steps?
"There are, among other things, tips for seating arrangements. Distance is an important keyword. In this context, a request: "If you have to, say goodbye to old habits." The motto now is to be open to everything that protects the individual family members. This also means that the greeting and the banquet, as well as the singing and playing music as well as the handing over and unpacking of gifts, are different than usual. We have tips for all of these situations that will enable a joint celebration – under special conditions – to be safe and still festive.”
They have a wide range of experience. Do you have a kind of quick run-through of the most important tips?
"Yes, I have that. First of all: Ideally, all guests should wear FFP2 masks and only take them off when eating and drinking. And very important, as always: Thoroughly and regularly wash and dry your hands. Keep your distance, ideally two meters. Disinfect touch surfaces, i.e. door handles, light switches, tables and handrails, before the visitor arrives. After that, of course. Ventilate, ventilate and ventilate again. Ideally every 20 minutes for five minutes In the course of this, of course, dress warmly. To give it a playful touch, the family can of course also appoint a ventilation representative.
That sounds very planned. Is that also the case?
"Yes, on the one hand it is and I am firmly convinced that it helps to have the safest and most successful celebration possible. But on the other hand it sounds like more than it is. Because well planned is half the battle. We have actually created an uncomplicated checklist for planning and also a possible schedule. Anyone who sticks to it will be well prepared within a manageable time frame. This is time and effort well invested that benefits everyone. So everyone can look forward to the Christmas season and especially the holidays."
What about New Year's Eve?
"Of course, everyone has to adhere to the relevant federal and state guidelines. That's clear. But no matter which regulation ultimately applies: We have of course thought of this too and have included a guide for the turn of the year in our guide. The recommendations already mentioned also apply 1:1 for New Year's Eve - with the addition of some specific advice. What is required in any case is a high level of awareness of personal responsibility. That cannot be emphasized often enough. And with all the current challenges, I personally think an optimistic attitude is important. Because that's how it will be “The families can enjoy the festive season in a contemplative atmosphere and with a lot of joy, even under these conditions.”
That sounds very planned. Is that also the case?
"Yes, on the one hand it is and I am firmly convinced that it helps to have the safest and most successful celebration possible. But on the other hand it sounds like more than it is. Because well planned is half the battle. We have actually created an uncomplicated checklist for planning and also a possible schedule. Anyone who sticks to it will be well prepared within a manageable time frame. This is time and effort well invested that benefits everyone. So everyone can look forward to the Christmas season and especially the holidays."
