Elimination of free rapid tests poses a threat to infection

Corona numbers could rise

"The abolition of the free rapid tests poses a threat to infection," says Viola Haßdenteufel, social policy spokeswoman for the Green parliamentary group and vice-president of the group: ‘Because the number of fake rapid tests is expected to increase steadily, and so are the coronavirus numbers.’ Nevertheless, the abolition is a concession to all those who have contributed to the fight against the pandemic through vaccination: ‘Testing of people who have opted out of vaccination is no longer financed by taxpayers’ money.’

A quick test in the Main-Kinzig district can cost up to 50 euros, which will no longer be financed by tax resources from Monday this week: "Anyone who knows the administrative burden behind the tests, especially with a positive test result, can largely understand the price structure," says Haßdenteufel. However, the big price range in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis should be questioned: ‘If a rapid test costs EUR 15 in one place and EUR 50 in the other, then there is a lack of uniformity. This should be tested under the same conditions throughout the circle. Nevertheless, the sudden payment obligation of each and every individual who is not vaccinated against coronavirus will not exactly increase the test motivation.”

The parliamentary group welcomes the fact that rapid tests remain free of charge for those who cannot be vaccinated from a medical point of view: ‘However, this also means that only persons who have also actively opted out of a free coronavirus vaccination will have to pay for rapid tests.’ It is therefore up to the person responsible to ‘regularly check how the figures in the rapid test centres are developing and draw the appropriate conclusions from them’.

At the same time, anyone who controls compliance with 3G rules, such as restaurateurs or retailers, must strictly enforce the test requirement: “If there is a chance to circumvent the chargeable rapid test, this chance will also be used.” Especially fake rapid tests will become attractive and local coronavirus outbreaks will increase again.

As a consequence, rising corona numbers can be expected in the coming weeks: "Then it is necessary to evaluate: Do the paid rapid tests provide an incentive for vaccination or do they only ensure that less is tested and that more and more unvaccinated people become infected with coronavirus and burden the intensive care units of hospitals?” concludes Haßdenteufel.

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Enquiries to:

Jakob Mähler
Group Managing Director
Alliance 90 / The Greens Main-Kinzig
06181/61596
0176/46763336
fraktion@gruene-mkk.de