Unvaccinated individuals have received over 100 million euros in treatment costs since July
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant economic costs to Germany, according to economic researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (IfW) in Kiel. IfW President Gabriel Felbermayr suggests that state investments in pandemic containment and prevention could be worthwhile, given the potential high economic costs.
The actual costs could be significantly higher over the entire period. The Robert Koch Institute has predicted a potential increase in hospitalization rates, and there may be underestimation of the average costs of a stationary corona illness. For instance, the medical treatment of unvaccinated individuals for COVID-19 has resulted in costs of at least 120 million euros since July.
The costs for July were approximately 20 million euros, for August 70 million, and for the first two weeks of September 30 million. These costs are primarily for the inpatient treatment of unvaccinated adults. After their hospital stay, it is assumed that most Covid-19 patients will be further treated by general practitioners, as per Gerald Gaß, the German Hospital Association chairman.
However, the economic researchers at IfW currently do not quantify the costs related to the long-term consequences of COVID-19 illnesses, such as productivity losses, ongoing healthcare expenses, and broader societal impacts beyond immediate medical costs. The phenomenon of "Long Covid" is expected to continue occupying hospitals, according to Gaß.
Uncertainty due to the pandemic is reportedly slowing consumption and investments, according to Gabriel Felbermayr. Additionally, IfW economist Lena Merkel warns of additional costs arising from long-term sequelae or the treatment of other patients that cannot be quantified at this time.
Gaß estimates a nearly 100% rehabilitation rate for intensively treated Covid-19 patients. However, the long-term impacts of the disease remain uncertain, emphasising the need for continued vigilance and investment in pandemic prevention and treatment.
Felbermayr reiterates that the pandemic continues to cause high economic costs, and the situation warrants careful consideration and strategic investment to mitigate the impact on Germany's economy.
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