In a recent statement, Germany announced that it will end free COVID-19 tests for its citizens in October. The government is taking this step, in order to promote COVID-19 vaccinations in the country. Moreover, they have enough stock of vaccines to inoculate the people.
Amid Decline in Vaccinations, Germany to End Free Covid Testing in October
Germany is planning to end its free COVID-19 tests for its citizens in October this year. They have decided to do so, in order to promote COVID-19 vaccinations in the country. Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the country has ample COVID-19 vaccines for its entire population. Moreover, half of the country’s population has already received both doses. Besides that, the vaccines are ineffective against severe cases of COVID-19, including the highly contagious variants as well.
There is a Decline in the Country’s Vaccination Rate
Chancellor Angela Merkel had a meeting with the country’s 16 state governors on Tuesday. She said that the COVID-19 vaccination rate in the country has significantly declined. The federal and state officials agreed that people who are fully vaccinated, have tested negative recently, or have recovered from COVID-19; should receive equal treatment in most situations. Besides that, they have also decided that people in Germany will pay for their own COVID-19 tests from October 11.
The Decision Received Hate from German Politicians
Some German politicians and leaders have criticized the government’s decision. They argued that this will impose high taxes on the poor people and on those who can’t afford them. On the other hand, some politicians claim that ending free tests is a way of punishing those who haven’t received the COVID-19 jab yet. However, the government is hardly interested in responding to criticism. After months of struggle, Germany finally pushed its COVID-19 vaccinations in March this year.
COVID-19 Vaccinations in Germany
When COVID-19 vaccinations began in Germany; people were quite reluctant to the vaccines. However, the country’s vaccination drive accelerated in March this year. Besides that, the government also tried to lure the citizens into getting vaccinated.
They set up various schemes and offers to promote vaccinations among the citizens. Moreover, the country is also witnessing a surge in cases these days due to the Delta variant. The authorities worry that young people might contract the virus. Henceforth, they are promoting COVID-19 vaccinations in the country.
