Germany Wins the Day for the Vaccinated—Unvaccinated Workers Get the Chill
On Wednesday (Sept 22), Health Minister Jens Spahn told reporters that German states will finally stop paying compensation to folks who find themselves stuck in quarantine because they’re unvaccinated. The move, starting by Oct 11, is all about fairness—why should taxpayers foot the bill for people who basically chose not to protect themselves?
Who’s in the Crosshairs?
- Positive‑test heroes – Anyone who tests positive must face a mandatory quarantine.
- High‑risk returnees – Travelers coming back from places on the “high‑risk” list—like Britain, Turkey and parts of France—must stay home for at least five days if they’re not vaccinated or recovered.
- The Exemptions – Those with a vaccine or recent recovery are free from this rule.
Why It Feels Like a Vaccination Mandate
Critics argue that the rule is practically a vaccine mandate: many workers can’t afford to be out of work without pay. “We should see this differently,” Spahn said, insisting this is a question of equity: if everyone protects themselves, why should the system subsidize a one‑time stay‑home after a holiday? At the same time, there are privacy concerns—Germany’s strict data protection laws, rooted in its checkered past, mean employers can’t pry into staff’s health status.
Other Measures on the Horizon
- A fare change – COVID‑19 tests will no longer be free starting Oct 11.
- Choice for venues – Some states let restaurants, stadiums, and other venues decide whether they’ll admit people with negative tests, or restrict entry to the vaccinated or recently recovered.
Vaccination Stats to Date
Germany’s vaccination pace is solid: 74% of adults are fully vaccinated, a touch ahead of the European Union average of 72.3%. Guys, it’s a great time to be vaccinated if you’re not already!
