Wednesday 17th November 2021
3G in public transport and at work
Traffic light summarizes Corona plans more specifically
Before the meeting of the prime ministers tomorrow, Thursday, the plans of the traffic light parties to combat the corona pandemic will be more concrete. There are enough construction sites in view of the high number of infections, especially the sluggish booster vaccination campaign has been criticized. With regard to the future Corona regulations, the main committee of parliament decided yesterday evening on Tuesday evening amendments that have been submitted to the German Press Agency. The Bundestag should vote on Thursday. Among other things, the following is planned:
Exceptions to tough corona measures
After the so-called epidemic situation of national scope has expired, the federal states should still be able to impose particularly tough measures, such as restrictions and bans on events in leisure, culture and sport. However, assembly bans or bans on religious gatherings should be excluded. It was already known that there would be no more extensive business and school closings. Corona requirements in schools, yes – but a suspension of face-to-face teaching cannot be stipulated, is confirmed in the draft.
Fake tests and vaccination records
Anyone who falsifies corona tests, recovery or vaccination certificates must expect high fines according to the traffic light plans. In particularly serious cases of “unauthorized issuing of health certificates”, if “the perpetrator acts on a commercial basis or as a member of a gang”, imprisonment from three months to five years should be possible. To this end, the Criminal Code is to be amended accordingly.
Compulsory testing in clinics and nursing homes
In some federal states, it is already being done or is planned, now the regulation is to be introduced nationwide: Employees and visitors should only be allowed to enter clinics and care facilities with a daily negative Corona test. According to the draft, vaccinated or convalescent employees can test themselves daily without monitoring or submit a PCR test twice a week. The obligation to test should also apply in facilities for people with disabilities.
3G in buses and trains
The planned 3G rule in means of transport is to be checked “randomly”. Carriers should be obliged to monitor this by means of appropriate verification checks. Passengers then have to present either proof of vaccination, recovery or testing. The negative test must not be older than 24 hours. Schoolchildren and transportation in taxis should be excluded. The obligation to wear an FFP2 mask or medical face mask should be stipulated. This does not apply to children under six years of age.
3G in the workplace
The planned nationwide 3G rule at the workplace is also becoming more specific: access to the workplace, if “physical contact” with others cannot be ruled out there, should be done without proof of vaccination, convalescence or daily test evidence (or a maximum of 48 hours old PCR Test) no longer give. Employers should check this on a daily basis and record the results. Employees are obliged to submit appropriate evidence on request. Companies currently have to offer two tests per week. In addition, there has recently been at least one free citizen test per week again. With five working days, those who have not recovered or who have not been vaccinated must expect to have two tests per week at their own expense.
Home office compulsory
The planned home office obligation is based on the rules that were in effect until June of this year: Employees with “office work or comparable activities” must be able to work from home, unless this is not possible for operational reasons, for example because mail is being processed or goods or materials must be issued. Employees must accept the home office offer, unless work is not possible at home, for example because it is too tight or too loud or because the necessary equipment is missing.