Weekly news from the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
Germany Takes Further Measures to Combat COVID-19
In a bid to curb the ongoing high infection situation and protect vulnerable populations, Germany is set to implement several new measures. Here's a breakdown of the key developments:
Vaccination Mandate for Health Workers
The German government is finalizing a law, known as the Law to Strengthen COVID-19 Vaccination Prevention, which will introduce a vaccine mandate for health workers in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors' offices, facilities for people with disabilities, and other health care settings. This mandate is scheduled to take effect on March 15, 2022.
The aim of this mandate is to protect vulnerable individuals in these settings and increase vaccination rates among frontline workers. It's important to note that a broader vaccine mandate for all citizens aged 60 and over was proposed but ultimately rejected in April 2022.
ESF Extension and Funding Adjustments
The Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), established in March 2020 to financially stabilize important companies for the economy and labor market, has been extended until the end of June 2022. Companies now have until April 30, 2022, to apply for ESF funds, with an average application consultation period of six weeks ensuring timely approval.
Additionally, the deadline for claiming the advance funds made available to states and municipalities has been extended by one year due to the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the flood disaster in July 2021. The funding pots for the ESF will also be reduced as the available funds are not fully exhausted.
Measures to Encourage Vaccination
An amendment will allow vaccinated and recovered individuals to fall under a maximum number of participants for private gatherings, in response to the increasing number of vaccine breakthroughs. This is intended to encourage more people to get vaccinated.
Moreover, studies show that the risk of infection is particularly high among the unvaccinated. In an effort to combat this, some federal states have issued ordinances with more intrusive measures due to the high infection situation, which can continue to apply until February 15, 2022. These measures include the closure of gastronomic facilities, clubs, discotheques, or other recreational and cultural facilities.
Extended Short-Time Work Allowance
The claim for increased short-time work allowance has been extended until March 31, 2022, and the possibility for employees to earn additional income during short-time work has been extended as well.
Legal Claim to Full-Day Care for Elementary School Students
Starting in 2026, elementary school students will have a legal claim to full-day care. The first grade implementation is planned first, with a gradual expansion to grades two to four.
Vaccination Expansion
Physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists will be able to vaccinate, provided they have received appropriate training. This move is expected to increase the availability of vaccination centres and make it easier for people to get vaccinated.
References:
- BBC News
- Deutsche Welle
- Reuters
- World Health Organization
- German Foreign Office
In light of the increasing number of vaccine breakthroughs, an amendment allows vaccinated and recovered individuals to gather in larger numbers, encouraging more people to get vaccinated in their health-and-wellness pursuit. Additionally, scientists are working to increase the availability of vaccination centers by training physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists to administer vaccines, contributing to the science-based approach in Germany's combat against COVID-19.
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