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Germany: Compulsory vaccination of health workers is in force from today

As of today, employers in the wider healthcare sector should report to the competent authorities the employees who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 or who have not submitted a medical opinion confirming the contraindication to the vaccination. Violators are threatened with dismissal, fines and a ban on practicing their profession.

Employees of hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics, rehabilitation centers and pharmacies had until yesterday, Tuesday, to inform their employer about their vaccination status. He in turn should report to the health authorities those who did not comply, while an exception is provided only for those who are not allowed to be vaccinated for health reasons, who will continue to work, following a strict safety protocol, with regular diagnostic tests.

According to the Ministry of Health, employers have two weeks, until March 31, to submit their data. The health services will then examine each case separately. Those who have not been vaccinated will receive a written warning and then can decide to terminate the employment contract, revoke the license to practice and impose a fine of 2,500 euros. Those interested will have the right to object or even appeal against the decisions of the health services.

In Mecklenburg-Pomerania, for example, the Hospital Association said today that in most clinics the vaccination rate reaches 99% and in much fewer it is limited to 85%. As of today, up to 15% of industry workers are threatened with sanctions. Even in the services of the German Red Cross in the state, 10% of those employed have not been vaccinated and may be excluded from work. Like many similar employers, the German Red Cross in Mecklenburg, according to North German radio and television NDR, hopes that in the end there will be exceptions, so as not to create problems due to lack of staff.

In Lower Saxony, about 240,000 people work in the health sector and, according to State Health Minister Daniela Behrens, 95% have completed their vaccinations.

The strongest reactions came from Bavaria and Prime Minister Markus Zender, who had threatened not to enforce the legislation. However, the Bavarian digital platform for reporting employers unvaccinated has already been launched, with Health Minister Klaus Holcek noting that the implementation will proceed “in a realistic way and with a sense of proportionality, with the aim of convincing as many employees as possible” . As part of this effort, the Bavarian government will start on March 18, with an emphasis on the possibility of vaccination and the Novavax formulation.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ

Source: Capital

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