Lawmakers in Germany’s lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, voted on Friday in favor of updating Germany’s infection protection law in a bid to curb the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections in the country.
Among the measures is Germany’s first coronavirus vaccine mandate — currently limited to health workers.
The new measures still need the green light from the upper house of parliament — the Bundesrat — which is expected to vote on the fast-tracked bill later on Friday.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s newly inaugurated government has made combating the pandemic a priority, as concerns over a new spike in cases grow as the Christmas holidays draw closer.
What is the partial vaccine mandate?
The changes include measures aimed at getting people vaccinated and speeding up the booster shot campaign — and are initially valid until March 15, 2022.
Medical workers in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, facilities for people with disabilities and other health facilities will now be to show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19.
Only health workers who can provide a medical reason for not getting the jab will be exempt from the mandate.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who is an epidemiologist, said it was unacceptable that some people at hospitals and care homes are still not vaccinated.
“This vaccine mandate is necessary because it’s completely unacceptable that, after two years of pandemic, people who have entrusted their care to us are dying unnecessarily in institutions because unvaccinated people work there,” he said. “We cannot accept this.”
German lawmakers are set to debate another, likely more contentious bill in the coming weeks on a vaccine mandate that would apply to everyone.
What are the other changes?
The new measures also expand who is allowed to vaccinate people against COVID — expanding the group to include dentists, veterinarians and pharmacists.
The changes to the infection protection law also make it legally possible once again to close bars, clubs, restaurants, and theaters as well as cultural and sporting events.
Hospitals will also receive more financial assistance to help offset the costs of having to cancel surgeries and other procedures due to an influx of COVID-19 patients.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
rs/sms (AFP, dpa, AP)
Article source: https://www.dw.com/en/german-lawmakers-approve-covid-vaccine-mandate-for-medical-staff/a-60078690?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf