Germany's coronavirus vaccination drive has slowed and those people who have not taken up the opportunity to have shots will have to take Covid-19 tests to take a full part in public life, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday.
To nudge more people to get vaccinated amid concerns about a rise in new cases, Merkel said the government will stop offering free tests from October 11, except for those for whom vaccination is not recommended, such as children and pregnant women.
"The bad news is that the vaccination rate has lost pace substantially," Merkel told a news conference after the meeting. In neighbouring France, vaccinations jumped after President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a plan for citizens to have to show a health pass for many daily activities, although the plan has also triggered mass demonstrations.
The Bavarian added that"there won't be another lockdown - in any case not for double vaccinated people. Why? Because then it is unconstitutional." "We want to and will test more to avoid a new lockdown," Laschet told the North Rhine-Westphalia assembly.