Germany: From Wednesday November 24th new pandemic rules are set to apply all throughout Germany. For millions of working Germans, this means having to undergo coronavirus testing every day.
The rbb.de portal reported that, it is already known how the inspections will be carried out and what sanctions will be put to punish people who do not comply with the new restrictions.
READ ALSO: COVID-19, Germany considers mandatory vaccinations to stop the fourth wave
COVID-19, Is working from home and 3G rule becoming compulsory in Germany?
Daily tests for the unvaccinated – 3G at work
From Wednesday, all employees in Germany will have to prove they have either been vaccinated, are recovered or tested negative, before gaining entry to their respective workplaces.
According to rbb.de, the amended Infection Protection Act paved way for employers to demand health certificates. People who are vaccinated and those who are convalescents do not need to present this certificate everyday.
On the other hand, unvaccinated people are required to perform a Covid test every day (or every other day in the case of PCR tests).
What happens to those who have odd work shifts and are unable to test in the morning?
While rapid tests are valid for 24 hours, PCR tests are only for 48 hours. As a result, early risers can take a quick test the day before, agreed the government.
Employers also have the option of providing quick tests in the workplace under the supervision of a trained person. However, they are not required to offer workplace testing. Home self-tests cannot be proven to be accurate.
Will you get certification?
As a general rule, the unvaccinated worker will be required to show the employer the result of the test conducted at the test centre but this is also closely followed by the responsibility to conduct two self-tests a week.
What situation might lead to a worker performing a quick tests at the employer’s?
Should an employee want to test within their place of occupation then it must be done under the supervision of a trained person. The employer is not required to provide these supervised on-site tests, but may do so on a voluntary basis.
The employer must document the name of the test person and the name of the person who was responsible for the supervision of the test.
What penalties are in place for those who violate the laws?
People who are unable or unwilling to show their employer that they have been vaccinated, recovered or tested negative will face a loss of wages.
Failure to provide the health certificate required at the workplace by the employee gives the employer the right to cancel the payment due to them.
In the case of persons who refuse to present the certificate several times, the employer will have the right to terminate the employment contract with them.
Fines of up to € 25,000
From Wednesday, all employers must check their employees’ 3G certifications. If they fail to do so, they may be fined up to € 25,000.
Who pays for the tests?
The so-called citizenship tests in rapid test centers will be covered by the state budget. PCR tests are fully paid for, except for people who do them because they have symptoms of Covid-19.
Source: rbb.de