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Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - The deployment of Bundeswehr soldiers in corona rapid tests in old people's and nursing homes in Baden-Württemberg will be extended until Easter.
The federal and state governments agreed on Wednesday that the army should help out for another seven weeks in urban and rural districts where not enough volunteers can be found.
How many soldiers will be needed is not yet entirely clear.
40 out of 44 urban and rural districts have registered a need for help with the rapid tests.
According to the employment agency, around 4,000 volunteers have so far signed up to take rapid tests in nursing homes.
But the distribution is very different, because in some circles a lot of people have reported, in others only a few.
According to information from the state health ministry, there are municipalities such as the state capital Stuttgart that do not need any support because there are enough volunteers.
Other circles want another week or three weeks of help from the Bundeswehr.
Financial questions also play a role here because the districts want to know who will pay for training, meals and transport for the soldiers in the event of an extension.
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As announced by the city council, most city districts have also announced a need for volunteers.
This week it is expected that the announcements will come, whether and how many they will get.
"The Bundeswehr mission, which is consistently rated very positively, is expected to be extended there until it is clear how many volunteers will come and until they are trained and ready for action," said a spokeswoman.
A spokesman for the German Armed Forces in Baden-Württemberg announced that there are currently 808 armed forces deployed to nursing homes in the state to help with rapid tests.
The tests are intended to protect old people's homes even better against the corona virus.
The test obligation applies to carers, visitors, pastors, craftsmen and physiotherapists.
A total of 1,862 soldiers are currently employed in the country to provide administrative assistance in the fight against Corona.
591 help with contact follow-up in the health authorities, 453 help in vaccination centers.
In addition, 10 emergency services are seconded to hospitals and nursing homes to relieve nurses and nurses.
In order to cover shift and weekend work, the Bundeswehr has to have a total of around 3,500 soldiers ready.
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© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210210-99-386957 / 2
List of districts that have registered requirements with BA