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Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) defended the federal government's corona test strategy against criticism.

“It was never agreed that the federal government would procure these tests,” said Spahn on Saturday during a digital discussion with the Rhineland-Palatinate CDU top candidate Christian Baldauf.

"What was agreed is that we should help, that they are accessible, that they are available."

"The rapid tests are more than enough available," affirmed the Federal Minister of Health.

“That is why we as a federal government can also say from Monday that we will cover the costs of a citizen test for anyone who wants to be tested at least once a week.” The structures for this would arise.

“They won't be there in full on Monday.” But many federal states and many municipalities would have said that they could start on Monday.

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In addition, the self-tests, which are available in drugstores, discounters and pharmacies, are a help to secure private situations such as family get-togethers, said Spahn.

In the federal states, these tests would also help in daycare centers and schools.

He had already been in contact with almost all of the prime ministers for this reason.

“Many countries already have things under one roof for their schools and daycare centers.” Wherever support is needed, he is happy to help as a “ministerial contact exchange”.

CSU: Too late, too slow, too little

There had been criticism of Spahn, among other things, from the sister party.

CSU General Secretary Markus Blume accused the Federal Ministry of Health of failing to do rapid tests.

“Tests are the bridge to the vaccination offer for everyone.

But unfortunately we see here again: too late, too slowly, too little was ordered.

It has to be said clearly that mistakes have probably been made in the Federal Ministry of Health.

Now we finally have to deliver ”, said Blume to WELT.

Criticism of the government's test strategy also came from the Greens.

"She could have presented a test strategy long ago and bought many millions of tests, but after months she is now setting up a task force," said party leader Annalena Baerbock to the editorial network in Germany.

This is a "ducking away from responsibility".