FFP2 masks are easy to buy for any average earner. The situation is different with those where literally every penny has to be turned over. (Daniel Karmann)
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Another initiative by the federal or state government to distribute FFP2 masks free of charge or at a reduced price to risk groups and recipients of unemployment benefits is currently not expected. “Basically, we assume that the federal government has taken on the matter,” says government spokesman Christian Dohle. Whether and how the federal government will continue to promote the procurement of masks is unknown, says Bernd Schneider, spokesman for the social affairs department.
The state of Bremen had given all residents over 65 years of age ten masks free of charge through pharmacies. The stocks were quickly out of stock, some seniors initially went empty-handed. This year the state sent five masks by post to every Bremen citizen between the ages of 15 and 59.
Sigrid Grönert, social policy spokeswoman for the CDU parliamentary group, considers a renewed distribution to be urgently necessary in view of the increasing numbers of infections. “I would like the federal government or, alternatively, Bremen to take action again.” It is difficult to estimate when the masks given out will be used up.
Grönert refers to further decisions of the federal cabinet. According to this, the federal government wants to supply around 40 million FFP2 masks free of charge to facilities and services of integration assistance for people with disabilities. This applies to workshops, for example, but also to assisted living. 25 million FFP2 masks from federal stocks are to be made available for homeless people and asylum seekers in community facilities. They should be issued through social services and advice centers.
Health politicians of the red-green-red coalition leave no doubt that they see the federal government as an obligation, especially with regard to the recipients of unemployment benefits. “I doubt that a one-off payment of 150 euros for pandemic-related additional costs for this group granted from January to June already covers that,” says Ilona Osterkamp-Weber (Greens). The FDP assesses the situation differently: “We now see enough FFP2 masks available on the market at affordable prices. We do not consider any further government subsidies to be necessary beyond what has already been granted, ”says Magnus Buhlert.
Anyone over 60 years of age or belonging to a risk group received 15 masks from December at the expense of the federal government. As of January, the health insurances have sent two coupons per person on behalf of the federal government. They could each be exchanged for six masks in the pharmacy. This is still possible until April 15th. Coupons were valid until March 6th, which the federal government had sent to all recipients of unemployment benefit II (Hartz IV) via the health insurance companies. For this group there were ten masks per person with no additional payment.
At the beginning of March, a couple from Delmenhorst failed with their application before the social court in Oldenburg to oblige the job center to provide free supply of 20 FFP2 masks per person per week or a reimbursement of costs. The couple, who receive Hartz IV benefits, argued that the costs were not covered by the standard requirement. The job center rejected this application. Judgment follows. As a justification, he referred to the fact that the applicants are not obliged to wear FFP2 masks under the Corona Regulation. They are also in a position to cover any existing demand through savings from the standard demand.
Currently, there are still a few value coupons issued by the federal government in pharmacies in Bremen. “Most of these coupons were exchanged for masks immediately after they were sent to the households,” estimates Thomas Real, Chairman of the Bremen Pharmacists’ Association. Klaus Scholz, President of the Bremen Chamber of Pharmacists, shares this finding. “The masks have been well received.”
“My impression is that the market is currently quite saturated, not least because of the previous campaigns,” said Apotheker Real. The demand for over-the-counter FFP2 masks in pharmacies is tending towards zero. “It is possible that one or the other stock up on other sources, but many will probably also benefit from FFP2 masks that they receive from their employer.” Real estimates that the question of free delivery of FFP2 masks will arise from the end of April again poses.
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