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While Germany is waiting for the Federal Government's promise to offer free rapid tests to be implemented, the Greens under Lord Mayor Boris Palmer in Tübingen (Baden-Württemberg) introduced free rapid tests for children and staff at daycare centers and schools two weeks ago - for use on themselves. From Monday they will also be used by hairdressers.
This means that Palmer is one step ahead of the federal government - Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) will not consult with the Prime Minister until next Wednesday about when the rapid tests will be used nationwide.
It is not the first solo effort by Palmer: as early as autumn, he made tests mandatory in old people's and nursing homes and introduced other measures, such as separate shopping times for senior citizens.
The rapid tests that are now being used were ordered in the Netherlands at the beginning of February.
In the talk show "Maybrit Illner" the mayor of Tübingen complained on Thursday about the government's actions.
“In the pandemic, speed is more than thoroughness!” He said, for example, regarding the non-approval of the vaccine for AstraZeneca for people over the age of 65.
And further: "A serious strategic mistake that costs life."
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Palmer explains his own initiative to the Bild newspaper as follows: “For three weeks I only heard from Berlin that the rapid tests had not yet been approved.
I can only say: Yes, then lock me up.
I'm not waiting for permission to pick my nose. "
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