Bavaria is the first federal state to introduce corona tests for everyone. This can help identify outbreaks quickly. Political politicians from the CDU and SPD are nevertheless skeptical about the concept.
A corona test for everyone – regardless of whether he or she has symptoms, belongs to a risk group or whether health insurance covers the costs – such a “corona test offensive” promises Bavaria’s Minister of Health Melanie Huml to the people of the Free State.
Such a broad test initially sounds good and useful to identify corona outbreaks early and to quickly break the chain of infection. Nevertheless, the politicians of the Bavarian initiative are cautious across parties.
Deceptive security
Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn refers to the federal test concept. That is already very extensive. Basically, Spahn welcomes mass tests. However, that could also be in false security, said the CDU politician. Because tests are always just a snapshot. CDU health expert Karin Maag comments similarly: “Immediately after the test, I know whether I have been tested positively or negatively. But I can get infected again in the next few days,” she told the “Augsburger Allgemeine”.
Targeted would be better
Targeted tests of particularly relevant or vulnerable groups would be better, according to Maag. An assessment that her SPD colleague Karl Lauterbach shares. Basically, Bavaria’s approach is correct, he says to the Funke media group. “However, we have to make sure that the right people are tested and that the tests themselves are cheaper,” said Lauterbach. In autumn, when a second corona wave threatens, mass tests are really necessary. “New studies indicate that the frequency of the tests is more important, and the intervals at which I regularly test people at risk. So far, we have looked more closely at how inaccurate a test is,” said Lauterbach.
In general, after starting difficulties, corona tests are often possible in Germany without acute symptoms – especially in sensitive areas such as hospitals, day care centers, nursing homes or schools. But Bavaria is the first federal state to provide comprehensive tests for everyone and to cover the costs.
