The Bundestag is advising for the first time on the planned corona vaccination for staff in clinics and 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 AfD parliamentary group leader Alice Weidel spoke of an “unheard of border crossing”. The SPD, Greens and FDP wanted to push through “considerable restrictions on fundamental rights”. The new edition of the Infection Protection Act is directed against the right to physical integrity, for example, with the partial obligation. She also spoke of breaking her word because many politicians had ruled out compulsory vaccination a few months ago.
The health policy spokeswoman for the SPD parliamentary group, Sabine Dittmar, said that the right to physical integrity of the weak and those in need is a basic right. Vulnerable groups are generally not able to choose by whom they are cared for, cared for or looked after. However, they should be able to rely on the fact that there is no danger to their own health from this side.
The CSU MP Stephan Stracke accused the traffic light alliance of closing a loophole that it had torn open by tightening the recently amended Infection Protection Act. Representatives of the budding traffic light coalition defended themselves against criticism and demanded a joint and cross-party appearance of the parties in the Bundestag.
The goal for the change in the Infection Protection Act is a resolution this week. The Federal Council will therefore hold a special session on Friday.
The points in detail:
Special vaccination requirement: In facilities such as clinics or nursing homes there are “still relevant vaccine picks after a vaccination campaign lasting several months,” says the draft law. 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.
Stricter regional measures I: 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 gatherings 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.
Stricter regional measures II: 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.
Because of the aggravated corona situation, the Bundestag also made it mandatory to wear a mask in the plenary hall. The protective masks should no longer be removed from the seat of the MPs. Only the AfD parliamentary group voted against the decision. So far, the MPs had been allowed to take off the masks on the square.