Restaurant Visits May Be Restricted to Vaccinated Individuals, Suggests Health Minister
In a scoop, Germany's Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) mulls over the idea of creating safe spaces for those vaccinated against COVID-19. From cozy guesmines to pizza joints and live concerts, the idea seems to be gaining traction. Spahn reasoning, "I think there's a distinction between state action or public infra: U-Bahn, S-Bahn, how do all parties behave? Or if someone in the private sector says they want to open only for the immune or not," shows his openness to the concept.
Legally, the ground seems somewhat fertile for this idea. As per what he "juristically understands," an open pizzeria for the jabbed is "what is possible." However, a definitive call on lifting COVID-19 restrictions for the vaxxed is yet to come from Spahn. He admits, "I'm still undecided myself." He raises a valid concern, "I've had the infection myself and could start a debate: I'm immune. I don't need to mask up anymore. But is that fair?" It's a tricky situation, he acknowledges, when in public spaces, some can ditch masks and distance while others can't.
Currently, Germany does not have specific laws that force businesses or events to open exclusively for the vaccinated. During the pandemic, the country implemented measures to curb the virus's spread, like vaccine mandates for certain groups. However, broader mandates for older folks were declined or postponed due to legal and political reasons, hinting at no overarching law requiring businesses or events to restrict access based solely on vax status.
As of now, German businesses and event organizers are free to decide their own vax policies, as long as they follows general health and safety regs. There's no federal law mandating only the vaxxed can enter establishments, but individual businesses may opt for such rules voluntarily.
Other health-and-wellness venues, such as fitness-and-exercise centers, might consider adopting similar policies as the open pizzeria, given Jens Spahn's acceptance of such ideas. As mental-health concerns rise due to the pandemic, creating safe spaces for vaccinated individuals could potentially contribute to overall well-being and social interaction, which are crucial aspects for maintaining good mental health.
