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BA head Detlef Scheele (archive photo)
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
The call is unusual for a head of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) - but so are the times.
At the presentation of the current unemployment figures, Detlef Scheele called on the federal government to prepare a law for a general vaccination requirement.
The figures he reported were actually quite positive (read more about them here): The unemployment rate fell again slightly in November compared to the previous year. Nevertheless: "We are assuming that we are facing a really difficult winter," said Scheele. Because the current development with new highs of corona infected people is not yet reflected in November unemployment, rather the economic recovery of the previous months. Only the number of reports on short-time work is increasing again slightly.
Scheele underlined his appeal to prepare a mandatory vaccination law. "You have all seen the pictures," he said, looking at intensive care units that are so overcrowded with corona patients that some of them are flown to other federal states. »Memmingen is in Germany and not in the Sahel zone. And the destination airport of the Bundeswehr Airbus with intensive care patients is also in Paderborn and not in Central Africa. «Anyone who has seen this cannot avoid preparing such a law. "My request is simply that it be ready in the drawer," said Scheele.
The BA boss spoke of a connection with low vaccination rates, high corona incidence, the resulting contact restrictions and losses for retail, gastronomy and tourism.
If you go into the next year and a group of around 20 percent of the people cannot be reached for a vaccination, "you cannot allow this group to take over this country again in 2022".
Therefore, a compulsory vaccination must be prepared and introduced to the Bundestag if the anti-corona measures in January did not work.
"I think this is the only chance this year not to get into such a terrible situation for people, businesses, employees, entrepreneurs and even sick people again." not repeated next autumn «.
mamk / Reuters
