questions and answers
After relatively relaxed summer weeks, the corona numbers are going up again. Politicians appeal to citizens to be vaccinated as protection for everyone – and make it clear: Without vaccination it will be more difficult.
It is called like a quite old cellular standard. But now the abbreviation is “3G” for millions of citizens to the current formula for everyday corona in autumn: vaccinated, recovered, tested, these three mean “G”. They show that there is a reduced risk of spreading the virus further – to be proven by means of proof on the mobile phone or on paper. In view of the increasing number of infections, this should become mandatory on a broader front, especially indoors, as the federal and state governments have decided. This only brings real effort for those who have not been vaccinated. Because to one “G” they need more tests. And soon they will no longer be available for free.
Where will only be allowed for in the future “3G”?
What is already common practice in fitness studios or at some events will be expanded once again as a uniform instrument: From 23 August at the latest, access to certain interior rooms should only be possible with a fresh test, vaccination or recovery certificate: when visiting clinics and Nursing homes, at the hairdresser’s, for sports halls and hotel accommodation. Likewise in indoor catering, at cultural events or in general in the fitness studio. Has been in effect since August 1st “3G” Also for those returning from vacation: When entering Germany, everyone over the age of twelve must have such proof.
What are the exceptions?
Freed from the “3G”- Children are required for indoor spaces “up to the age of 6” – and also older pupils who, according to previous plans, should be tested regularly in school anyway. You could use the student ID as proof, said Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) for Bavaria. As always, the specific design lies with the federal states. According to the resolution, the “3G”- Rule also suspended if the seven-day incidence in the county “stable” is below 35 or another country’s warning system indicates a comparably low level of infection.
Who will have to pay for rapid tests soon?
From October 11th, not everyone can simply go to the test site without a wallet. The eight weeks in advance should make it possible to get a full vaccination free of charge by then. Rapid tests should then remain free of charge for people who cannot be vaccinated – which can be evidenced by a certificate. And for those for whom there is no general vaccination recommendation, such as for under-18s and pregnant women. Visitor tests in nursing homes should remain free. The federal government pointed out that employees can also be tested free of charge in companies. A new test regulation is also planned for details of the new regulations.
And what will corona tests cost?
How much will have to be paid for tests including certification is still unclear. That will be decided on the market, explained the Federal Ministry of Health. The pharmacies, which also do tests, said that the costs for material, rooms and personnel should be calculated. Test providers currently receive 11.50 euros as remuneration for each rapid test; according to the ministry, there are around 43 euros from the statutory health insurance for a more precise PCR test. For self-payers, however, they are often more expensive – the more the faster the laboratory result comes. For the “3G”- Rapid tests that are up to 24 hours old or PCR tests up to 48 hours old are accessible.
Will be out “3G” soon “2G”?
The federal government wants to do that for the time being “3G”- Set the principle as agreed with the countries. However, it must now also prove to be an effective protective instrument. “We have to try to react with light measures in order to prevent very dramatic measures as far as possible”As Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) put it. If that doesn’t work and the numbers are increasing faster and faster, a new situation would arise. Private providers can already do this for their interiors anyway “2G”- Define the principle: i.e. access only for vaccinated and convalescent people, but not for those who have been tested.
Will there be another lockdown?
Even if nobody wants to give political guarantees because of possible new virus mutations: Complete closings and general contact restrictions for everyone, as with the standstill last autumn and winter, should be averted – because millions of citizens are now vaccinated. There will no longer be a lockdown “definitely not for people who have been vaccinated twice”said Söder. Merkel stated: “As long as the vaccine is working, we cannot simply say: a person who has been vaccinated is not allowed to exercise his or her rights as a citizen, so to speak”. At the same time she made it clear: “We will not allow – it stays the same – that our health system is overloaded.”
What about additional corona criteria?
For weeks there has been a debate about making additional indicators binding when it comes to trigger thresholds for restrictions or easing. Because the incidence of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days is no longer so clearly and directly reflected in the number of severe corona cases in the intensive care units because of the vaccinations. There are also other data on this: for example the vaccination rate, the number of hospital admissions, breakdowns by age. However, the federal-state round has not yet found a suitable one “Happiness formula”as Söder said. Berlin’s Governing Mayor Michael Müller (SPD) pointed out, however “Corona-Ampeln” with several factors in some countries. “We’re not starting from scratch.”
