German leaders have enacted new coronavirus regulations for the coming months, including the cancellation of free rapid tests to incentivize people to get vaccinated.
Extensive restrictions may continue to be implemented in response to the increasing case rate, which is expected to only worsen in the coming weeks as holidaymakers return.
The most controversial rules apply to people who have not been vaccinated.they will Expected to be tested As a condition for participating in various activities, from indoor gatherings to restaurant visits to church services.
The free rapid coronavirus detection system has been widely used for several months and has been used by Germans to enter theaters and football stadiums. It is expected to be abolished on October 11. After that, those who have not been vaccinated-except for pregnant women, children, or those who are advised not to be vaccinated for medical reasons-will have to pay for testing. Hope that people will no longer rely on test systems to avoid vaccinations.
It is expected that masks must still be worn in indoor spaces such as offices, schools, shops and public transportation.
Leader of German The 16 states that met with the prime minister, Angela Merkel, Finalized new regulations on Tuesday, and reserves the right to further tighten them if the infection rate is deemed out of control.
In the past three weeks, the incidence rate per 100,000 people in Germany has almost doubled in the past three weeks, and now one in ten regions has an incidence rate of more than 35.
Despite the lack of political will to implement the blockade, especially when federal elections are held within six weeks, this has raised concerns that another blockade is imminent.
The Bundestag will vote next month on whether the “epidemic” still applies to Germany. This is the legal basis for the government to implement the current strict measures, but unless extended by members of parliament, it will expire on September 11.
Critics of the decision to tighten current restrictions And it puts those who have not accepted the vaccine proposal at a disadvantage, calling it “backdoor vaccination.”
The most Opponents Are pro-business Liberal Democratic Party and right-wing populists AfDOne of the AfD leaders, Alice Weidel, accused the government of “threatening to divide society” on Tuesday.
The government stated that these measures are necessary to protect vulnerable groups and people who have not been vaccinated. It stated that it will continue to adjust the regulations as the epidemic develops.
A spokesperson said: “The timing of stricter measures for those who have not been vaccinated will continue to be determined by the federal government and the states.”
FDP deputy leader Wolfgang Kubicki accused the government of patronizing ordinary citizens, implying that they need to “protect themselves.”
He said: “The government has clearly refuted the idea of combining its measures with the public interest, but made it clear that citizens need to be protected from their own harm.” He added that Merkel’s coalition government “sees responsibility Of citizens are a risk factor and they must be forced to do things that are beneficial to them when necessary.”
Only 55% of Germans are currently vaccinated —— Including 80% of people over 60 years old-62.5% of them have had a jab. For a country where the vaccine campaign has started slowly, it is no longer disadvantageous than a country like the United Kingdom-the UK’s ratios are 59% and 70%-although the German figure is still far below the Merkel government’s figure. The goal is for 85% of the population to receive full vaccination by the end of summer.
In addition to hoping that the abolition of free testing will encourage people to get vaccinated, the government has also prepared young people who have shown an unexpected willingness to receive vaccinations. Recently provided jabAccording to Health Minister Jens Spahn, so far, nearly a quarter of 12 to 17-year-olds — more than 1 million people — have received an injection.
Successful measures to increase vaccination rates include the provision of free hot dogs in Thuringia, and the opportunity to shop and get injections in three IKEA stores in Berlin. The first 1,100 people participating in the game at the Freiburg Convention Center this weekend will receive free tickets to the SC Freiburg home game.
