Pandemic
Corona measures: southern states and NRW put pressure on traffic lights
Is another corona wave imminent in autumn? Photo: Marijan Murat/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
The mask requirement in buses and trains is one of the last remnants of the recent corona wave. But things could get serious again in the fall. Four federal states are putting pressure on the traffic lights in Berlin.
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. This 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 people 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. The health ministers of the four countries are calling, among other things, for the Corona Test Ordinance 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.”
Preparation of a new vaccination campaign
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 worsen again.”