With the self-participation in the corona tests, six left-wing government representatives from the federal states fear for safe cultural events. The abolition of free citizen tests increases the health risk for people with low incomes and endangers the existence of cultural institutions, according to a joint appeal by Senator for Culture Klaus Lederer, Senator for Social Affairs Katja Kipping (both Berlin), Senator for Health Claudia Bernhard and Senator for Economics Kristina Vogt (both Bremen). and Minister of Culture Benjamin-Immanuel Hoff and Minister of Health Heike Werner (both Thuringia) to the federal government. The letter is available to the dpa in Berlin.
The Linke sextet points out that a further increase in the number of infections is to be expected in autumn and winter. With the new federal test regulation, an important building block in the fight against corona is no longer applicable. “For large sections of the population, the personal contribution is not financially sustainable,” says the appeal.
This also jeopardizes what has been achieved in the cultural sector. “We are dependent on nationwide and free tests because this is the only way we can make our protective measures for cultural institutions as safe as possible, avoid unnecessary risks and offer access for everyone,” write the left government members. “Participation in art and culture, dealing with cultural formats, the friction of artistic positions is an essential part of understanding within our society.” People who could not afford to contribute themselves would be excluded. This circumstance is undignified and untenable.