“I think it makes sense to actually discuss the strategy of free tests for those unwilling to vaccinate,” explained Mikl-Leitner. In the pandemic, the majority of the population “does not understand that the general public should pay for permanent free tests for those unwilling to vaccinate”.
One must “do everything possible to prevent a lockdown,” emphasized Mikl-Leitner. It is clear that “the costs for the tests as well as for the vaccinations are much cheaper than a new lockdown”. On the subject of the “1G” regulation, the governor spoke out in favor of a nationwide uniform procedure if such a requirement should come.
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Charges apply with exceptions
Her LH colleague Hermann Schützenhöfer (ÖVP) from Styria also spoke out in favor of the cost of the test offer for unvaccinated people. He is also for a nationwide introduction and a uniform contribution to costs at least in the amount of the prescription fee (6.50 euros). For those exempted from it and for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, the offer should remain free, it said on request on Wednesday.
Tyrolean governor Günther Platter (ÖVP) said again that it will not work out that the corona tests are free in the long run. “That is why a debate about the end of the free tests is legitimate,” said the governor, who again referred to the free vaccination offer.
Haberlander carefully
People in Upper Austria were more cautious. “With the increasing number of infections and to secure the start of the new school and kindergarten year, a free public test offer is important at the current time,” stated health officer and deputy governor Christine Haberlander (ÖVP). But she also emphasized: “The most important G is that of vaccinated. Vaccination is and will remain the most important means in the fight against the corona pandemic.”
SPÖ skeptical
The SPÖ remains skeptical. Governor Peter Kaiser (SPÖ) still sees the chance to increase the vaccination rate through voluntary participation so that the pandemic can actually be effectively pushed back by achieving herd immunity. This was explained by his press spokesman Andreas Schäfermeier when asked by APA. “As long as the time can be used for effective persuasion, and the situation, especially in the intensive care units of the hospitals, allows, the corona tests should remain free.”
In Burgenland, the end of the free tests is currently not in sight, it was said from the office of Governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ). Rather, the free PCR test offer “Alles Gurgelt” will be rolled out soon. In addition, the 3G rule in the country is to be checked more intensively, among other things because the catering industry is increasingly relocating indoors.
No end of the free tests in Vienna
Vienna’s Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) has also repeatedly confirmed that there is no end to the free offer in sight in Vienna for the time being. An off would not necessarily increase the willingness to vaccinate, but above all weaken the willingness to test, so his argument. However, Vienna recently reduced the validity of the tests as 3-G evidence. Specifically, a rapid antigen test that is carried out in a test street or in a pharmacy will only be valid for 24 hours from September instead of the previous 48 hours. For PCR tests, the time limit is reduced from 72 to 48 hours. The previous periods of time only remain in place for children under the age of twelve.
