Free corona tests in Munich: speakers call for further offers - "restrictions are not enough"
Created: 06/23/2022, 16:29
By: Sascha Karowski
Munich's social officer Dorothee Schiwy countered Karl Lauterbach.
© Hague
There is resistance to Health Minister Karl Lauterbach's plans to limit free corona citizen tests.
Munich's social officer Dorothee Schiwy and health officer Beatrix Zurek are opposed to the project.
Munich – The city counters Lauterbach: social officer Dorothee Schiwy and health officer Beatrix Zurek insist that free corona citizen tests should continue to be offered.
These are essential so that people who live in inpatient care facilities, for example, can receive regular visits from relatives and friends.
Munich's social officer Dorothee Schiwy: "Limiting to vulnerable groups is not enough"
"Restricting the free tests to vulnerable groups is not enough," says Schiwy.
The citizen tests financed by the federal government will initially be available until the end of June.
Health Minister Karl Lauterbach had announced that he wanted to limit the testing options.
For the particularly vulnerable target groups, a stable solution must be found immediately as to how contacts can be maintained and participation made possible, says Schiwy.
Against the background of the shortage of nursing staff, it is not justifiable to put the test implementation back on the shoulders of the facilities.
In addition, members of vulnerable groups who live independently must continue to have the unhindered opportunity to participate in the community, for example in the offers of elderly care, the social lunch table and senior education.
Munich's health officer Beatrix Zurek: "Citizen tests must be retained"
"If you have to pay for a Covid test yourself before using these offers, that counteracts this service," says Schiwy.
And Beatrix Zurek adds: "Especially in the current situation, in which social life is picking up speed again, the free citizen tests, which are available in a wide range throughout Munich, must be maintained."