Germany plans to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for professional athletes

In connection with the new wave of the coronavirus in Germany, its authorities plan to make vaccination against this disease mandatory for professional athletes. Otherwise, their entry to stadiums or sports halls will be banned.

"During the first discussion with various representatives of the authorities, a single position was formed on mandatory vaccination. If fans are required to be vaccinated to enter the stadiums, this rule must be mandatory for athletes, too. This is the position of the ministers. The [respective] legal basis now needs to be understood," said Hendrik Wust, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia federal state, Sport1.de reported.

In some federal states of Germany, only vaccinated people and those who have contracted and recovered from the coronavirus in the last six months can enter public places; this applies to sports events, too.