Government scrutinizes coronavirus testing criteria within businesses
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Germany has been exploring new testing strategies. However, a clear, publicly documented federal strategy mandating employers to conduct COVID-19 testing has not been a prominent feature. Instead, the government has emphasised free voluntary rapid tests (Bürgertests) for citizens, with funding provided through early-mid 2021 [1].
The testing strategies in Germany were coordinated federally, with input from scientific advisory bodies and state premiers. The search results do not provide specific information on any mandates or policies introduced by SPD state ministers on mandatory COVID-19 testing for employers or workplaces [1]. Most decisions and announcements about testing policy were made collectively between Chancellor Merkel and the 16 state premiers.
As of October 2021, free rapid tests ended for the general population, with exceptions for children, teenagers, and medically exempt individuals [1]. The report does not specify the frequency of testing that might be required under the new strategy.
The potential obligation for COVID-19 testing is being considered for companies with more than 19 employees [2]. Smaller businesses may be exempt from this obligation, according to the report [2]. This idea for a testing strategy originates from several SPD state ministers [3].
The federal government is considering a new strategy that involves requiring employers to test their employees for the coronavirus. The specific companies or organisations that will be required to implement this testing strategy have not been specified [2]. The costs of these rapid tests and layperson self-tests would be borne by the companies [2]. The report does not provide details about the type of tests that might be used or the cost of these tests.
The rapid tests and layperson self-tests, designed for untrained individuals to check for current infectiousness, are set to be approved and made available in the coming weeks [2]. Results from these tests are available within 15 minutes [2]. The report states that the consideration comes from coalition and government circles [3].
It is important to note that the report does not mention any penalties for non-compliance with the testing strategy, nor does it provide details about the industries or sectors that will be targeted by this testing strategy [2]. The information comes from the business magazine "Business Insider" [1].
Economic and social policy discussions among SPD state ministers have included the potential mandate for COVID-19 testing in companies with over 19 employees, as a new federal strategy is being considered. This proposed strategy, aimed at workplaces-wellness and health-and-wellness, would require employers to conduct fitness-and-exercise related tests on their staff to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but specific details, such as the type of tests to be used and any penalties for non-compliance, remain undisclosed [1,2,3].
