The opposition disapproves of the Ministry of Health's new legislative plans to combat the corona crisis. “The compulsory test is coming”, annoyed FPÖ boss Norbert Hofer, the government had always said that the tests were voluntary, so “lied” to the population. He is alluding to the fact that the FFP2 mask will no longer be an alternative to the test for professional groups such as teachers. SP chairwoman Pamela Rendi-Wagner wants a social partner agreement here.
Image: APA
In itself, Rendi-Wagner sees the occupational group tests as an important component in fighting the pandemic. But you assume that the government will find an understanding with employee and employer representatives before such a change, said the SPÖ boss at a press conference on Thursday morning.
Anchober's amendment also provides for more severe penalties in certain areas: Anyone who organizes commercial events and disregards a prohibition under the Epidemic Act will in future be punished with a fine of up to 30,000 euros or six weeks in prison according to the bill. Participants in prohibited events have to deliver up to 1,450 euros. This is to prevent people on the streets from demanding the resignation of the Chancellor, Hofer was indignant. When asked, Hofer expressly welcomed the fact that his club boss Herbert Kickl wants to speak at the upcoming Corona demos at the weekend.
In any case, Hofer also rejects the planned new regulation with regard to the options for intervention at meetings. So far, this regulation in the Epidemic Act with the passage “confluence of large crowds” was formulated somewhat vaguely; the amendment stipulates that in future there will be at least four people who are considered to be an event. Even for NEOS health spokesman Gerald Loacker this is “not acceptable” because it would mean that the health minister “wants to control all small family gatherings”.
Above all, Loacker was “shocked” that with the amendment, night exit restrictions could be imposed even if contact tracking no longer works. “Health Minister Anschober has apparently learned nothing from twelve months of the pandemic. His only answer to the pandemic is apparently lockdown,” said Loacker in a written statement to the APA.
Rendi-Wagner sees it similarly. It would be the government's job to fight the pandemic. Instead, they relax despite the increasing numbers of intensive care patients and, on the other hand, make legal regulations for easier movement restrictions. This shows the coalition's lack of plan. This is just loosening up into a “third wave”. It would even have to be tightened if the numbers go up further.
FPÖ boss Hofer, who was plagued by pain after a herniated disc at his press conference – “a present for his 50th birthday” – also called for extensive help, especially for families. He proposed a 13th family allowance, a retroactive special grant of 100 euros per month for each child in home schooling and additional financial support for single parents. Air cleaning devices should also be purchased for the classrooms; the total cost of 150 million is not an issue for Hofer in view of other expenses in the crisis. In addition, Hofer insisted on an increase in the care allowance and a “Corona Thousand” in the form of vouchers for the “heroes” of the crisis.
