Courtesy Translation: Corona Cabinet: New Rules Laid Down

Courtesy Photo | Icon to accompany courtesy translations from the state of Hessen  

WIESBADEN, HE, GERMANY

10.27.2021

Story by Nadine Bower 

U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden   

Press Release from the Hessen State Government from 12 OCT 2021
Courtesy Translation: Nadine Bower, Public Affairs Specialist

Corona Cabinet: New rules laid down

The Hessen state government has extended the existing coronavirus protection ordinance until 7 November and has set new regulations. For example, at the request of the industry, the existing 2G option will be extended to the entire retail trade: The operators are free to grant access only to vaccinated and recovered individuals in their shops and then to waive distance and mask requirements: "We assume that this option is only used on a daily basis and that shops for everyday needs will not make use of it. But that also means that without 2G, the distance and mask requirements will continue to apply." Also new is a test obligation for unvaccinated staff in hospitals, as it already applies in old people's homes and nursing homes. Minister President Volker Bouffier also pointed to upcoming Christmas markets: These could take place this year, access controls are not required.

Vaccinations still important

At yesterday's end of the free citizen tests, the Hessen head of government once again emphasized the importance of vaccinations in the fight against the corona pandemic. "We've gotten through the fall well so far, as shown by the incidence of hospitalization and intensive care bed utilization with COVID-19 patients," he said. "Nevertheless, we must not become careless. The greatest protection against the virus for all of us remains vaccination. And this is still uncomplicated, non-bureaucratic and free of charge. Now that many citizens no longer have the opportunity for free testing, I ask all the more to make use of our vaccination services." Since Monday, the rapid antigen tests, as they are carried out in test centers or pharmacies, are no longer free of charge for many citizens of Hessen. The reason is an amendment to the Test Ordinance of the Federal Government. However, a limited group of people can still take advantage of these tests without paying, such as children under the age of 12, pregnant women or people who cannot be vaccinated against the coronavirus for medical reasons at the time of the test. For adolescents up to and including 17 years of age as well as for pregnant women, one test per week is free of charge until the end of the year. In schools, the weekly tests remain free of charge until the end of the year. Children under the age of six and children who have not yet started school generally do not need negative proof.

The most important changes to the nationwide coronavirus protection regulation at a glance:

- The existing regulation will be extended until 7 November 2021 and thus until the end of the prevention weeks after the fall school break.
- In the future, a 2G option will also apply in the retail trade (if this is chosen, there will be no distance and mask requirement).
- In schools, the obligation to wear medical masks at the seat and the daily tests apply immediately after a positive rapid test and not only after the PCR confirmation.
- In old people's homes and nursing homes, there will no longer be an automatic ban on entering the entire facility in the event of a single case of infection, instead individually necessary protective measures must be taken.
- In hospitals, testing is mandatory 2 times a week for unvaccinated personnel.
- Folk festivals can take place without the approval of certain numbers of people (to be checked by means of entrance controls).

Source: https://www.hessen.de/Presse/Neue-Regelungen-festgelegt

• Date Taken: 10.27.2021
• Date Posted: 10.27.2021 08:03
• Story ID: 408089
• Location: WIESBADEN, HE, DE