BERLIN, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Germany wants to end free coronavirus tests in October, the RND group of newspapers reported on Monday, citing a draft proposal to be discussed by Chancellor Angela Merkel and leaders of the country's 16 states.
The government made the tests free for all in March to make a gradual return to normal life possible after a lockdown to break a third wave of COVID-19.
But with 55% of the population fully vaccinated there have been calls to stop spending taxpayers' money on a subsidised scheme that now mainly benefits those who are not yet vaccinated even though vaccines are available for all.
"Given that all vaccination is immediately available to all citizens, it is no longer justifiable that the federal government and therefore taxpayers cover the cost of all tests," RND cited from a draft proposal.
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/germany-stop-free-covid-19-tests-report-2021-08-09/
