Hubertus Heil (SPD) wants to end the special rules in the workplace to protect against corona infection two months earlier than planned. "I will repeal the Corona Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance on February 2, 2023 by ministerial ordinance," said the Federal Minister of Labor to the Reuters news agency.
The special hygiene precautions had provided important services, especially during the peak phases of the pandemic. "Thanks to the extensive protective measures, infections in the company could be prevented and work and production losses avoided," said Heil. Because of the increasing immunity in the population, the number of new cases is now falling sharply.
Hygiene concept and support with vaccination
Corona occupational safety regulations expired last May. This means that companies no longer have to offer tests. The obligation to offer work from home also no longer exists.
In October, however, a new version of the regulation came into force, which was originally intended to apply until April 7, 2023. The new version was based on the Omicron variant BA5. There were concerns that there could be an increased incidence of infection in the winter months.
At present, companies are still obliged to define infection protection measures in a hygiene concept through a risk assessment. In addition, employers must contribute to increasing the vaccination rate. These rules are now no longer applicable.
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