FRANKFURT (DPA) – “These cases are a reminder that the coronavirus hasn’t disappeared despite the fortunately favourable developments here in Germany. They are a reminder to continue to adhere to all measures that are still necessary,” he told an interview published on the German federation (DFB) website on Saturday.
“Infections can still happen, even if the pandemic situation has improved significantly compared to the beginning of the year,” Meyer added.
Spain team captain Sergio Busquets previously tested positive for the coronavirus and is out of Monday’s game against Sweden, while Russia had midfielder Andrei Mostovoy has also been excluded from the tournament due to an infection.
Meyer once again ruled out a complete vaccination of the German team, as Spain did on Friday after cases among their ranks.
This decision was made after an intensive consideration of the risks of side effects, which can never be ruled out and which, even to a minor extent, can be “more problematic for top athletes than in other professions,” Meyer explained his decision.
However, this doesn’t mean he is generally against the vaccine. “I expressly support vaccinations for the population and consider them the decisive step out of the pandemic,” Meyer said.
