BDA AGENDA 04/21 | COMMENT OF THE WEEK

Carsten Schneider MdB, Deputy Chairman of the SPD Parliamentary Group,
Deputy State Chairman of the SPD Thuringia

Berlin, 18 February 2021.

Dear Readers,

exactly one year ago, Covid-19 entered Europe. On February 15, 2020, France reported its first death. Over the past 12 months, we've learned a lot about the coronavirus. And we've found ways to protect ourselves from it. Contact avoidance, hand washing and masks have become essential. We also know that only when relevant parts of the population have been vaccinated will the pandemic hopefully finally subside. The fact that vaccines have been made available so quickly is thanks to outstanding research, courageous companies and targeted government funding. We can be proud of that.

Unfortunately, it will take several more months before enough people are vaccinated. Until then, we must do everything we can to keep incidences low. A tool that has been underused so far could help us do this: Area-wide rapid tests may not be quite as accurate as PCR tests, but they can make an important contribution to detecting infections early and flanking a gradual opening of social life.

The federal government therefore wants to offer all citizens rapid antigen tests, which will be carried out by trained staff in pharmacies or test centres, from 1 March. Self-tests for laypersons are also to be accessible to all as soon as special approval has been obtained.

The rapid tests will also be a ray of hope for many businesses and their employees. Home office remains a priority. But where home office is not possible, staff should be tested regularly. What is the rule for nursing homes must also apply to employees in offices and production facilities.

The question remains who will bear the costs for the rapid tests. The Ministry of Health estimates 9 euros per rapid antigen test. In addition, there are 9 euros for the test and the certificate. The rapid antigen tests should be free of charge for citizens, so that people on a tight budget can also take advantage of the offer. At the same time, we should make it clear that, as in the past, the tests for the workforce are also paid for by employers, who have an interest in ensuring that their employees remain healthy. Socialisation of these costs by the taxpayer is not justifiable from a regulatory point of view.