Tuesday, December 7th, 2021
Compulsory vaccination and tightening
The traffic lights are planning these new corona rules
Even before Olaf Scholz’s election as Federal Chancellor, parliament is discussing the tightening of the recently revised Infection Protection Act. In addition to compulsory vaccination for certain occupational groups, there could be significantly stricter rules in some regions.
This Tuesday, the Bundestag is for the first time discussing the planned corona vaccination requirement for staff in clinics or nursing homes. The plans of the traffic light parties SPD, Greens and FDP also provide that vaccinations can also be carried out by dentists or pharmacists in the future. The countries should also be given the opportunity to take stricter corona measures such as restaurant closings in hotspots. The Infection Protection Act, which was only reformed in November, is to be changed again for the new regulations. The goal is to make a decision this week. The Federal Council will therefore hold a special session on Friday. These are the points in detail:
Compulsory vaccination for certain areas
In facilities such as clinics or nursing homes there are “still relevant vaccine picks after a vaccination campaign lasting several months,” says the draft of the new version of the Infection Protection Act. Employees should therefore prove their complete vaccination or recovery by March 15 – or submit doctor’s certificates that they cannot be vaccinated. It should also apply to staff in medical practices, emergency services or maternity facilities.
More vaccinations
In addition to doctors, pharmacists, veterinarians and dentists should also be entitled to vaccinate people aged twelve and over for a limited period. Medical training and suitable premises or involvement in mobile vaccination teams should be a prerequisite. Sample training concepts should be developed by December 31st.
Return of stronger regional measures
If the situation is very critical, the federal states – if their parliaments so decide – should be able to impose tougher restrictions on leisure time or sport. Exit restrictions, general business and school closings are excluded after a first traffic light law – now, according to the draft, it should be specified that meetings and events that are not protected demonstrations can be prohibited: especially larger sporting events. It should be clarified that it is possible to close restaurants, for example, and bans on congresses – but not fitness centers and swimming pools.
Extension of the deadline for existing measures
Shortly before the end of the “epidemic situation of national scope” on November 25, individual countries had decided on more comprehensive, tougher measures on this old legal basis. These can remain in force until December 15th. According to the draft, this deadline will be extended to February 15.