The Union-led states of Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, which is led by the Greens, are putting pressure on: The traffic light government in Berlin must tighten the Infection Protection Act before the summer break.
Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia are urging the federal government to quickly create the legal requirements for stricter protective measures in view of the threat of a corona wave in autumn. The traffic light must present an amendment to the Infection Protection Act before the summer break, according to a draft decision by the four countries for the conference of health ministers this week.
The change is necessary in order to be able to react to an increase in infections in autumn with suitable countermeasures. “These include, in particular, the obligation to wear masks indoors, 3G/2G access rules, test obligations, upper limits for persons and contact restrictions,” says the proposal from the four countries, which is available to the German Press Agency. The three Union-led states and the green-black government of Baden-Württemberg also insist that they be included in the deliberations on the law. The federal government must quickly create legal, financial and organizational planning security.
Seven-day incidence rises to 458.5
The corona numbers have recently risen again. On Tuesday morning, the Robert Koch Institute reported 123,097 new infections within 24 hours, 17,257 more than a week earlier. The nationwide seven-day incidence rises to 458.5 from 416.0 the previous day.
In view of the numbers, the health ministers of the four countries are calling, among other things, for the corona test regulation to be “appropriately” extended beyond the end of June. “There is still a need for free and unbureaucratic test options, in particular to ensure protection in the vicinity of facilities for vulnerable people and groups.” Before the ministerial conference in Magdeburg on Wednesday, the federal states are also pushing to clarify quickly whether there should be a general recommendation for a fourth vaccination. The Standing Vaccination Commission recommends a second booster vaccination only for people over 70 years of age.
The federal government should also plan together with the federal states how to vaccinate in autumn and winter. Berlin must ensure that enough vaccine is procured. In addition, the federal government must again help the states to finance state vaccination structures such as vaccination centers. When preparing a new vaccination campaign, a possible wave of influenza must also be taken into account.
Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia are also calling on the federal government to prepare the hospitals for the expected next wave. For example, there must be financial incentives to keep staff and recruit new ones. “The financial security of the hospitals must also be promised again through federal rescue packages, should the supply situation in the hospitals deteriorate again.”