Strictly speaking, it is the second amendment to the Infection Protection Act that is to be passed with a majority of the traffic light parliamentary groups.

But the first draft law from the beginning of November has changed so fundamentally between the first and second reading that we can speak of a third amendment to the law with new majorities.

According to the draft, which was debated in a special session of the Bundestag on Tuesday afternoon, the powers of the states are to be expanded.

Helene Bubrowski

Political correspondent in Berlin.

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If a state parliament proclaims the epidemic situation, catering facilities can also be closed in the future.

After a few uncertainties about the previous change, it has also been made clear that leisure or cultural facilities can be closed and trade fairs and congresses can be prohibited.

Restrictions, which the countries had decided while still applying the epidemic situation of national scope, should not continue to apply until December 15, as previously planned, but until February 15.

Veterinarians and dentists should also vaccinate

The new regulation, which was passed in the Bundestag on Friday and is to be approved in a special session of the Bundesrat on the same day, also provides for a compulsory vaccination for employees in certain facilities in which people at particular risk are staying, such as hospitals, day clinics, doctors - and dental offices.

It should apply from March 15th.

According to the will of the traffic light, veterinarians, dentists and pharmacists should also be able to vaccinate.

The debate in the Bundestag was marked by mutual accusations between the future government and opposition factions.

Sabine Dittmar, health politician of the SPD, argued that the traffic light was determined to “take all necessary steps with responsibility and a sense of proportion”.

Sharp criticism of the advance came from the Union faction.

Stracke: The draft law falls short

Stephan Stracke, health politician of the CSU, accused the traffic light of "ideology".

"This bill falls short again," he said.

"You are trying to close loopholes that you have torn yourself." The traffic light parties had decided not to prolong the epidemic situation, which had expired on November 25th, which is why the regulations that allowed the countries to carry out far-reaching restrictions are no longer applicable Available.

However, the Union made it clear that it sees the draft law as a step in the right direction.

The Green MP Maria Anna Klein-Schmeink was “disappointed” with the reaction, she had hoped that the Bundestag would send a “common signal” in this difficult situation.

Christine Aschenberg-Dugnus from the FDP found sharper words for the Union: "Your speech was more than embarrassing, you are lighting smoke candles."

Once again she spoke out against the closure of schools and daycare centers.

Because of the aggravated corona situation, the Bundestag had previously given itself an expanded mask requirement in the plenary hall.

The protective masks should no longer be removed from the seat of the MPs.

All parliamentary groups except the AfD voted for it.

So far, the MPs had been allowed to take off the masks on the square.