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Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has justified cautious further easing of the corona restrictions.
Germany is now on the threshold of a new phase of the pandemic, "which we cannot enter with carelessness, but with justified hopes," she said on Wednesday evening in Berlin after consultations with the prime ministers of the federal states.
Spring 2021 will be different from spring last year.
This has become possible after the containment of the infection process in the past few months, which would have meant heavy burdens and unprecedented encroachments on freedom for many.
"What we went through together was tough," said Merkel.
But it has had an effect.
The intensive care units of the clinics were brought back from a dangerous emergency around Christmas time.
At the same time, Merkel emphasized that it was now a matter of opening up steps that should not set the development back.
There are examples of a dramatic third wave in Europe.
“This is a risk for us too,” said the Chancellor.
Tests are intended to secure opening steps
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The federal and state governments want to secure the planned easing of the corona lockdown with mass rapid and self-tests.
The tests showed "with good accuracy whether someone is contagious on a daily basis," said Merkel.
Every citizen should be able to be tested free of charge once a week.
“This offer is valid from March 8th, and the corresponding test centers will be made available on site,” announced Merkel.
The federal government bears the costs for the test.
Self-tests, which are easier to use, should also be used in schools and daycare centers.
A task force will be set up to procure these tests.
It has not yet been finally clarified whether employers will have to pay for tests for their employees.
Merkel announced that the federal government will continue talks on Friday.