A Corona model project is currently running in Tübingen: Those who test negative are allowed to go to shops, to the cinema or to have coffee on the outdoor terrace. This is better than when people secretly meet at home, says the pandemic officer there, Lisa Federle.
There have been free rapid tests in the city since November, according to Federle. As a consequence, the incidences in Tübingen are always well below the national average. “I hope that it will stay that way and that we can simply see what is happening in a controlled manner,” says the emergency doctor. If the incidences rise sharply, the model project will be stopped.
Donations collected for quick test procurement
Because the 7-day incidence in the district is below 50, the stores would have been allowed to open without the project. “It is much safer that way because we have introduced compulsory testing,” says Federle. At the moment, the rush from other cities is still limited. That will change with warmer temperatures, but all travelers would have to do a corona test beforehand. “I always think it’s better than when the groups meet secretly somewhere at home,” says Federle.
The procurement of the rapid tests was not a problem, reports Federle. You have had good contact with a leading rapid test company for months. Often the question of financing is the problem. For example, the city made advance payments around Christmas time and then collected donations in order to be able to buy quick tests and offer them free of charge. “Of course I disregard bureaucratic regulations,” says Federle. She followed a clear test strategy from the start and took the risk that costs would not be covered. She received support for this from the district administrator and the mayor of the city, according to Federle.
–
