Free FFP2 masks for poor people: Heil advertises Corona bonus at Hartz IV

Free FFP2 masks for poor people
Heil advertises Corona bonus at Hartz IV

The pandemic is already affecting those in need. Mandatory FFP2 masks in local transport and when shopping are also expensive. Labor Minister Heil wants to subsidize basic security and Hartz-IV because of "corona-related burdens". But the idea has already failed.

Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil is campaigning for a subsidy linked to the duration of the Corona crisis for Hartz IV recipients as well as for older people with basic security and people with disabilities. The SPD politician left the exact amount open. "The Federal Ministry of Labor is working flat out on appropriate concepts," said Heil in Berlin. However, he admitted that his plans had not yet been agreed in the coalition and in the federal government. There should be talks on this at the weekend and at the beginning of next week.

"It is important to me that our society stays together socially in this crisis," said Heil. Protection against Corona shouldn't be a question of the wallet. He therefore proposes a "subsidy for corona-related burdens" in the basic security: "We are currently working on concepts and will have to determine the exact amount."

Heil justified his proposal for a grant with the fact that daycare centers, schools and many social institutions were closed. In addition, there would be additional expenses, for example for hygiene articles. For many this is a "financial feat". This particularly affects children, single parents, the elderly, the long-term unemployed and people with disabilities who are dependent on government support.

Prototype: Free masks for the elderly

Heil also pointed out that the federal government had provided FFP2 protective masks free of charge for the elderly. "We should check whether we can do the same for recipients of basic income this way," said the minister. This is necessary in view of the new obligation to wear medical masks on public transport and in shops. Here, too, the details still have to be clarified in the coalition and with the countries.

Last summer, a push by the SPD for a corona surcharge on the Hartz IV rule sets failed due to the resistance of the CDU / CSU. In view of the long duration of the hardship caused by the pandemic, however, "it is now clear to everyone that we need to socially cushion the hardships described," said Heil optimistically that an agreement will now be reached on this point.

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