In Germany today a “vaccination summit” will be held by Chancellor Angela Merkel with the Prime Ministers of the 16 federal states. The video conference will focus on the restrictions that could be removed for vaccinated and convalescent people. A press conference with Merkel is then planned.
The key issues paper provides for certain exceptions
According to a key issues paper yesterday, the government is of the opinion that there should be certain exceptions to the current contact and exit restrictions for those who have been completely vaccinated against Covid-19 and for those who have recovered. Accordingly, they could be granted the same exceptions to entry rules, access to shops and certain services that apply to those who test negative.
However, the obligation to wear a mouth and nose cover or the distance requirement would continue to apply to vaccinated, convalescent and tested people for a longer period of time. According to the government, there is no entitlement to the opening of certain facilities – such as museums or swimming pools – from the exceptions to be made for vaccinated and convalescent people.
In the run-up, numerous actors had spoken out in favor of relief for those who had been vaccinated and those who had recovered, most recently the Association of Towns and Municipalities. The decision-making authority on the question lies with the federal government. However, the Infection Protection Act stipulates that the Bundestag and Bundesrat must approve such changes.
