First session of the new year: Senate discusses vaccination campaign

The Berlin Senate will once again meet to discuss Coronavirus issues on Tuesday (04 January 2022) at its first meeting of the new year.

Among other things, the session will revolve around preparations for the Minister Presidents' Conference (MPK), which is scheduled for Friday. At the federal-state meeting, subjects concerning the Coronavirus pandemic, such as the continuation of the booster vaccination campaign and quarantine regulations, will be discussed.

No adjustment of Coronavirus measures planned

The members of the Senate also want to exchange views on the current status of vaccination in the capital. Berlin's new health senator, Ulrike Gote (Green Party), wants to provide detailed information on the matter. The effects of the pandemic on critical infrastructure such as police, fire departments and hospitals, especially in view of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, are also going to be a topic of discussion. According to a Senate spokeswoman, decisions on possible changes to the Infection Protection Ordinance are not on the agenda.

Governing hayor pleads for mandatory FFP2 masks on public transport

Berlin's Governing Mayor, Franziska Giffey (SPD), spoke out on Sunday against a shortening of the Coronavirus quarantine. She said on Deutschlandfunk radio that such a shortening was not yet necessary at the moment because the critical infrastructure was not yet out of action. At the same time, she advocated for mandatory FFP2 masks for passengers on buses and trains. Such masks would provide strong protection even against the more contagious Omicron variant.

Governing Mayor Giffey and Health Senator Gote are both expected to attend the press conference following the Senate meeting. The members of the Senate had last met at a special session on the day before Christmas Eve.