German lawmakers back vaccine mandate for health workers

By FRANK JORDANS
Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) — German lawmakers have overwhelmingly backed a bill that requires staff at hospitals and nursing homes to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The upper house, or Bundesrat, approved the bill hours after lawmakers agreed to fast track the legislative process. The new measure means workers in health care facilities will need to show they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 by mid-March next year. A second, more contentious bill that would make COVID-19 shots compulsory for all is being prepared and could be debated by parliament next month. According to official figures about 69.4 % of Germany’s population of 83 million are fully vaccinated.