Countries urged to collaborate on unified approach, as suggested by Lower Saxony
Stephan Weil, the Minister President of Lower Saxony, has proposed a new strategy, known as the "3G strategy", to manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The strategy, which involves people being either vaccinated, recovered, or tested, is set to be discussed at a conference on Tuesday.
Weil urges a shift in focus away from the intricacies of the current debate and towards the development of a reliable and understandable system for assessing the risk situation. The goal is to balance the need for COVID-19 containment with the maintenance of economic and social activities.
The "3G" rule, as it is commonly referred to, requires individuals to present proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result to access public venues such as restaurants, theaters, and large events.
Weil emphasises the importance of vaccination as the most effective instrument in the pandemic. He believes that if more people are vaccinated, many discussions about future restrictions will become unnecessary. However, he also acknowledges the need for special exceptions for those who cannot be vaccinated.
In addition, Weil calls for a coordinated approach between the federal government and the states for general protective measures, including masks and hygiene concepts, as well as for further measures for particularly at-risk areas.
Despite a potential rise in incidence rates, Weil expects that an overload of the healthcare system can be avoided, provided the infection situation does not escalate completely. This is due to the large number of vaccinated individuals, which reduces the immediate threat of an increase in patient numbers in hospitals.
Weil also highlights the need for a new, reliable, and understandable system for assessing the risk situation. He expects an agreement on such a system during Tuesday's meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of the federal states.
Everyone in Lower Saxony can get vaccinated for free, but unvaccinated individuals will have to pay for tests to participate equally in public life. However, special exceptions should be made for those who cannot be vaccinated.
Weil is urging a united front from Chancellor Merkel and the heads of the federal states ahead of their talks on Tuesday. The goal is to find a balanced approach to managing the pandemic that allows for continued economic and social activity while ensuring the safety of the public.
The policy-and-legislation regarding the 3G strategy, proposed by Stephan Weil, focuses on the development of a reliable and understandable system for assessing the risk situation in the politics of COVID-19 management. This system is planned to be agreed upon during the general-news conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of the federal states.
