The Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) has called on the other federal states to significantly increase the virus test capacities in view of concerns about further corona waves. “We in Bavaria do it bit by bit. We now even want to offer up to 30,000 tests a day – this has tripled our capacities since the end of March, ”Söder told Tagesspiegel.
Citizens are now the only federal state to have free corona tests carried out without symptoms. The Free State wants to bear the costs of 50 euros per test and laboratory evaluation. If you want more normality, you also have to build up more test capacities. “We want to expand this even further,” said Söder.
Berlin’s governing mayor Michael Müller (SPD) has shown sympathy for a similar approach in the capital: “We will take this Bavarian path very soon,” said Müller on Monday evening. “If a federal state starts like this, it will be a wave, the tests will be cheaper and it will soon become unproblematic for many people to be tested.”
Other federal states have not yet followed the example. Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) also rejected nationwide corona tests for all citizens, as planned by Bavaria. “Simply testing a lot sounds good, but without a systematic approach is not useful,” criticized Spahn.
It weighs people in false security, increases the risk of false positive results and stresses the existing test capacity. It makes more sense to test specifically, for example in the event of local outbreaks such as in Gütersloh.
Despite the criticism, Söder sees his country as a role model for all of Germany in the voluntary corona tests for everyone. “I think it has an impact far beyond Bavaria,” said the CSU chief of the “Augsburger Allgemeine”. The criticism of the Bavarian approach is not medically justified. “The actual background is something completely different: that’s the cost.”
The cabinet wants to approve the corresponding test concept on Tuesday. Essentially, the plan is based on an agreement between the Free State and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians that will come into force on Wednesday. This sees test opportunities with resident contract doctors in front.
Health Minister Melanie Huml (CSU) said on Monday that a three-digit million amount will initially be provided for the costs. But it is open for what period.
In addition to the tests for people with and without symptoms – for the latter tests are already possible free of charge – the concept also provides for the voluntary tests to be expanded in institutions with vulnerable people, for example in nursing homes and old people’s homes, as well as in hospitals.
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The same applies to tests by teachers and educators. A test offensive is also planned for slaughterhouses, cutting and meat processing plants. Anyone who has symptoms should be tested within a day and have their result 24 hours later. Without symptoms, it takes a little longer: a test in 48 hours and a result in a week.
“Testing is the only way besides keeping a distance and taking hygienic measures to take real preventive measures.” For this purpose, a concept had been developed that was clearly defined: This included series tests for all medical personnel and on a voluntary basis for the police, teachers and Teachers and educators.
In addition, there is a 24-hour test guarantee for people with symptoms and a 48-hour guarantee for those who feel insecure. “Bavaria does what the coffers don’t pay. Helping the state is a core task, and testing is the best way. ”
