Model tests are further delayed: start date unclear

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Hanover (dpa / lni) - The start of the first model tests to open shops in Lower Saxony's inner cities in the corona pandemic has been delayed again.

In view of the planned nationwide regulations in the new Infection Protection Act, the Lower Saxony state government and the central municipal associations have agreed to wait, the Ministry of Health announced in Hanover on Sunday.

There is not yet a new start date, said a spokeswoman.

The twelve model municipalities and the Lower Saxony City Council had previously agreed to begin next Thursday.

Originally the start date was April 12th.

Lower Saxony's Minister of Health Daniela Behrens emphasized that because of the pandemic, only municipalities are permitted for model projects that do not exceed an incidence of 100.

"The task now is to clarify what happens when model municipalities grow above the 100 incidence," said the SPD politician.

“There is no reliable answer to this question before the legislative process is completed.

However, this clarity is important for the implementation of our model projects. "

The state government initially selected 13 cities for model tests.

Shops, theaters and cinemas, galleries, fitness studios and outdoor restaurants should be allowed to open in inner cities.

A current negative corona test is required for the visit.

Strict protective measures and test concepts in the project areas are just as important as the use of digital contact tracking.

The cities of Aurich, Braunschweig, Buxtehude, Cuxhaven, Einbeck, Emden, Hann.

Münden, Hildesheim, Lüneburg, Nienburg / Weser, Norden and Oldenburg.

Most recently, the city of Achim in the Verden district canceled participation.

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The conditions are "strict and demanding," said Behrens.

It is also planned to allow a total of 25 model projects in Lower Saxony.

13 projects should therefore be approved in a second selection round.

A decision will be made when there is clarity about the new Infection Protection Act.

It is important that the model projects can be continued, said representatives of the Lower Saxony District Council, the City Council and the Lower Saxony Association of Cities and Towns.

Accordingly, it would not be possible to convey to retailers and restaurants in particular if a model test had to be terminated after the incidence of 100 was exceeded.

The model projects should help to support the distressed retail and catering industry and not lead to an additional burden on these companies.

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