Fraisig, Munich.

Professor, there are rumors that the coronavirus was created in a laboratory and is a combination of two viruses. What is your opinion on this?

Professor Scherer: Yes, I’ve heard about that. Some people think it was the Chinese, others say it was the Americans, and still others say it was the Israelis. These are just wild rumors—pure fantasy. Unfortunately, there are currently a lot of rumors and misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic on the internet.

In short, based on everything we can say as biologists, the coronavirus evolved naturally from other viruses in this family. Viruses, especially those with a large genetic molecule like the coronavirus, are so complex that we biologists would not be able to create such pathogens in a laboratory. We do not understand these pathogens well enough to do so. No, this virus was not man-made. Definitely not.

So where did the coronavirus come from?

Viruses (as well as bacteria) can be transmitted from animals to humans. This is very well known, for example, in the case of the influenza virus, which can replicate in birds, pigs, and humans. Wherever there is close contact between humans and animals, such transmission can occur. For this reason, many new influenza viruses originate in rural areas or large markets in China, since animals and humans live very, very close to one another there, as was the case in the past in Europe.

Does this also apply to the coronavirus?

Yes. The current pandemic virus was already present there before it infected humans. We have good reasons to believe which animals it actually lives in. Bats and lizards are among the suspects. In February, scientists reported that they had detected a coronavirus in a lizard whose genetic makeup was, in some cases, very, very similar to the current pandemic virus. Lizards are sold illegally in markets in China and are also used in the production of traditional Chinese medicine. Perhaps that is where the transmission to humans occurred? As I said, we know this happens with many pathogenic microorganisms.

And how does a new virus form?

The genetic composition of viruses can change very quickly. This occurs, for example, as a result of mutations, which are random changes in the genetic structure that occur naturally and continuously. This can happen so quickly that a virus changes over the course of a few weeks or months. In the worst-case scenario, such small changes can increase the infectivity of these viruses.

In addition, different strains of viruses can mix their genetic material. This happens, for example, when a new strain of the flu virus emerges, for which we must also develop a new vaccine. We call such processes «microevolution,» which means that something that already exists has changed. As a result, nothing fundamentally new is created, only variations of what already exists, which can be extremely diverse.

Why isn't there a cure for the coronavirus yet?

In general, it is difficult to develop antiviral drugs, unlike drugs that target bacteria—for which we have many antibiotics. This is because viruses use human cells as hosts to reproduce; they are not viable on their own. Therefore, there is a very high risk that antiviral drugs could also harm humans. Nevertheless, there are several antiviral drugs, and it currently appears that some of them may also be effective against the coronavirus. On the other hand, developing entirely new drugs is a very lengthy process; we will likely develop a vaccine against the coronavirus much more quickly.

Why do children cope with this virus particularly well?

We don't know for sure; this is one of the questions that is being studied very intensively.

When is the peak of the outbreak expected in Munich?

We don't have a definite answer to that yet either. Personally, I suspect this virus will keep us busy in Munich for a few more weeks.

In your estimation, how long will this pandemic last?

In Germany, this may take a little longer than in Bavaria, since the pandemic began later in some states than it did in Bavaria. But we’re not talking about weeks here—rather, months. Worldwide, it will take even longer.

How can you protect yourself against the coronavirus, aside from self-isolation?

The general rule: good personal hygiene, a healthy diet, plenty of vitamins, and daily exercise—preferably outdoors, while maintaining a safe distance from others, of course. But for older adults, voluntary isolation is the best option because they are much more likely to experience severe symptoms than younger people.

How can we defeat the coronavirus and stop its spread?

We are on the right track now, especially in Germany. We have effective medical care and research, thanks to which the first medications and, later, vaccines will soon be available, and then the worst will be behind us.

I think it’s important that we all follow the rules set by our city and our government. As individuals, that’s all we can do. I am convinced that our government is doing everything it can. Of course, no government is perfect, and there is much we do not know. Moreover, as followers of Yeshua, we can pray for our government. In fact, all those in positions of responsibility need our prayers.

When will the coronavirus disappear completely?

I think the coronavirus is here to stay. Since it has already spread around the world, there’s very little chance that it will «die out,» so to speak. However, humanity will learn to live with this virus in a short time, just as it has learned to live with the flu virus. I’m not worried about it.

Finally, I’d like to ask you a few questions on this topic, as someone who believes in Yeshua.

Sure, I'd love to.

Are you afraid of catching the coronavirus these days?

No, I’m not afraid. My life and my death are in God’s hands. But I’m not reckless either. God has given me a mind! I believe that God wants me to use my mind to protect myself and those around me as much as possible. Our country’s decrees and laws also serve this purpose. And I take them seriously as a citizen and as a disciple of Yeshua, even if I don’t like such restrictions.

There are viruses and bacteria that are ingeniously designed, yet they cause illness and death. Why are there such viruses in God’s good creation?

Personally, I do not believe that God created the terrible pathogens of this world—neither the plague bacteria, nor the Ebola virus, nor the coronavirus, nor many others. God’s revelation in the New Testament states, «God is love,» and already in the Old Testament we read that God does not take pleasure in the death of a person, not even those who do not believe in Him at all.

In these pathogens, I encounter something profoundly evil; they are ingenious programs of death. No, they do not come from God. In my view, they are perversions of God’s good creation, and I see in them tangible manifestations of evil.

The Apostle Paul writes in the Epistle to the Romans that all creation groans under the bondage of death and awaits its redemption. As a disciple of Yeshua, I know that God has saved me from my sins through Yeshua the Messiah. I know that I have eternal life. Knowing this, I am all the more able to fight off pathogens.

I am also looking forward to the visible redemption of the world, which we will see when Yeshua the Messiah returns at the end of time and creates a new heaven and a new earth. Then, in my view, there will no longer be any pathogenic microorganisms.

Is the COVID-19 pandemic a punishment from God?

No, I don’t think so. The Bible says that creation is not in the state God originally intended. We live in a fallen world, which is also (but not only!) marked by evil and death. We all experience this in our lives. This fallen world also includes pandemics, disease, and death. As I said before, based on the Bible, we also look forward to the redemption of this world.

Is this virus operating according to Plan B-ga?

The Bible tells us that God has everything under control. God does not will evil, but He can use everything to fulfill His plan. And for followers of Yeshua who love God, all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).
I believe that the coronavirus pandemic is a wake-up call, a clear sign that, for the most part, we have no control over either the world or our lives. Perhaps this pandemic can help us, in the future, to rely not only on people and material security, but to seek God, in whose hands we all ultimately rest. Don’t we, both in our country and in our personal lives, need once again a fresh, God-given perspective on eternity—a perspective we have lost over the past few decades? We should pray that people will begin to seek God anew and thus find new hope in the midst of crisis-induced fears.