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Air purification device in a Berlin classroom
Photo: Bernd Friedel / imago images
The federal government wants to spend 500 million euros by the end of this year for the corona-compliant upgrade and conversion of air filter devices in schools.
This emerges from a written question from FDP member of the Bundestag Peter Heldt, which SPIEGEL has received.
However, funding is only available for schools where children up to the age of twelve are taught.
Because they can probably not be vaccinated against the virus for the time being.
The schools can have 80 percent of the costs reimbursed by the federal government - but only if all the requirements of the relevant funding guidelines are met - "and after the applicant has checked the proof of use to be submitted by the administrative Federal Office for Economics and Export Control," the letter says .
In the opinion of MP Heldt, this procedure is far too complicated.
"This is another monster of bureaucracy that will overwhelm many schools with the application process, especially in the short time available," says Heldt.
more on the subject
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Combating pandemics: Ministry of Economic Affairs promotes air filter systems for elementary schools and daycare centers
Mobile air filter systems are expressly excluded from funding - which is repeatedly criticized by experts.
The federal government argues that with such mobile systems there is a risk "that the cleaning success does not occur or only partially".
Proper filter changes and maintenance of the devices are further challenges for the reliable operation of mobile devices and thus for infection protection.
"Incorrect installation and alignment of mobile devices can even increase the risk of infection."
olb / him