Weekly proceedings in the German federal parliament (Bundestag)
In Germany, several key legislations have been enacted to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and energy policies.
The Amended Infection Protection Act (IfSG) has been in effect since December 2021, introducing significant changes, particularly in hospital and healthcare settings. One of the most notable features is the vaccine mandate for health workers to protect vulnerable populations and maintain healthcare capacity[1].
Key provisions in the IfSG related to COVID-19 include using the hospitalization incidence as a main benchmark for pandemic measures, tiered restrictions based on hospitalization incidence thresholds, and the inclusion of vaccination rate and ICU occupancy as additional factors influencing restrictions and public health measures[1].
Regarding the Social Service Deployment Act (SodEG), recent sources do not provide specific details or updates on amendments or its direct link to COVID-19 measures as of 2025. However, disruptions in essential health and social services due to the pandemic have been noted, affecting vulnerable populations such as refugees[2]. It is implied that social infrastructure laws aim to maintain or restore these services.
Moving on to energy policies, the German government is introducing a bill to reduce the EEG surcharge from 3.723 cents/kWh to zero as of July 1, 2022. This reduction will benefit companies and consumers receiving electricity, with electricity suppliers required to separately indicate the amount by which the electricity bill has been reduced due to the lowered EEG surcharge in the next bill[3].
Additionally, the Market Area Coordinator will continuously monitor the fill levels of gas storage facilities, with minimum fill levels set at 65% by August 1, 80% by October 1, 90% by December 1, and 40% by February 1[4]. Monitoring of vaccination quotas will be made permanent for stationary care facilities.
The Social Service Deployment Act (SodEG) will be extended to continue providing social services after the necessary measures to contain the Corona pandemic have ended. If the pandemic situation worsens again, patients may be treated in preventive and rehabilitation facilities[5].
A one-time heating cost subsidy will be decided upon to cushion financial burdens for low-income individuals, and the Corona Entry Regulation will be adjusted for legal clarification[6].
Lastly, a Bill to Amend the Infection Protection Act will be discussed, which will be in effect until autumn 2022, including the continuation of the nationwide mask requirement in public transportation[7]. The revenue losses for transmission network operators will be covered by the Energy and Climate Fund (EKF) with around 6.6 billion euros[8].
For the most up-to-date official legal statuses, consulting the German Federal Ministry of Health or legislative databases would be recommended.
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