Corona virus
VDMA Service Portal
The Corona pandemic poses numerous challenges for companies' day-to-day operations. Our service portal provides VDMA members with country and travel advice, information on legal and insurance issues, and helpful links to other organizations.
According to the EU-Commission, it is working as planned: The 750 billion Euro aid package "NextGenerationEU", which is supposed to mitigate the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. What is new is that "RepowerEU" is also to receive funds from this budget.
During the Corona crisis, short-time work once again proved itself to be an important instrument for securing jobs for employees and proven employees for companies.
The Corona-related lockdowns and restrictions in China are leaving deep scars on local machinery and plant manufacturers. Only a minority of companies currently anticipate an improvement in the business situation in the coming six months.
The planned tax aid measures to further deal with the Corona crisis are a step in the right direction. However, the period for carrying out a loss carryback should be extended to five years and declining balance depreciation should be implemented permanently.
The fourth Corona Tax Relief Act is intended to bring about a permanent extension of the loss carryback and an extension of declining balance depreciation. The coalition is rightly continuing important aid measures, but they are not ambitious enough.
The revised Corona Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance largely relieves employees of their personal responsibility in the future. Companies, on the other hand, will continue to have measures in place that they will also have to pay for. This does not add up.
The EU-Commission has proposed to extend the validity of the COVID certificate until 30 June 2023 to ensure unhindered travel within the EU.
The mechanical engineering sector in Germany has performed very well in a difficult year 2021 and is entering the coming months with plenty of confidence despite the Corona pandemic.
See also our video .
A clever interplay between politics and business will determine how well the new "traffic light"-coalition masters the challenges ahead. The industrial middle class is ready to contribute its efficiency.
Only in a few sectors will there be an obligation for employees to inform their employers about their vaccination status. However, as long as there is no obligation to provide information, companies will be deprived of an important prerequisite for effectively reducing the risk of infection in the workplace.
Employers and employees must do everything to reduce the risk of infection in companies to zero. This includes at least an obligation to inform employees whether they have been vaccinated or not.
Short-time work is declining, employment is rising, the economy has picked up speed. Time to reconsider lump-sum state Corona aid for companies and employees.
As of February 1, 2022, Chile further flexibilizes entry for foreigners. A new immigration law does not change anything for assemblers.
The EU Commission is drawing its lessons from the Corona pandemic. From the VDMA's point of view, it is clear that only open markets and global partnerships contribute to economic recovery.
The uncoordinated border closures during the Corona pandemic have shown that the internal market is not crisis-proof. It must be strengthened, which is why a new Schengen strategy is the right thing to do. Member States must seek European solutions.
The federal government has announced that it will involve company doctors in the vaccination strategy at the beginning of June. In order for the campaign against the Corona virus to gain further momentum, the promise must be implemented.
The EU should quickly agree on a single European vaccination passport and introduce the Digital Green Certificate across Europe. This would greatly facilitate the posting of workers within the EU.
Company doctors must be provided with sufficient vaccine from the outset.
The Corona crisis tempts to "short-sightedness": What are the daily case numbers and what is the status of the vaccination progress? However, it is also important to look ahead and ask how Germany is positioning itself as a business location and how it must transform itself. The VDMA is actively involved in this dialogue with politicians.
The mandatory offering of self-tests in companies is manageable for machine and plant manufacturers. The VDMA now expects the public authorities to ensure that the vaccination campaign in Germany continues to gain momentum and is organized efficiently.
Recommended
The German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) recently published and updated FAQs on the new SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
In September 2022 it was decided to extend individual special regulations for the receipt of short-time allowance.
On 14 September 2022 the German Cabinet approved the ordinance amending the short-time work allowance access ordinance.
In its cabinet meeting on 31.08.22, the Federal Cabinet approved a significantly weakened draft of a new SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance.
Even with the new version of the SARS-CoV-2 occupational health and safety regulation, which comes into force on 01.10.2022, there will be no obligation to offer home office.
From October 2022, the BMAS wants to reintroduce mandatory requirements for infection control in companies. However, the VDMA considers the move to be superfluous.
Only those who met the 2G+ criteria were allowed to attend the summer party for employees of a clinic. The LAG Berlin did not object to this regulation.
Employers may not disproportionately tighten quarantine rules.
Travel to a high-risk area with a lower incidence than in Germany does not result in self-inflicted incapacity to work.
Two labor court rulings clearly show when employers can be liable in connection with Corona infections of employees.
Can a falsified certificate of recovery or an invalid test certificate constitute grounds for termination of employment?
Employers may order corona tests for employees in the workplace
The German Federal Ministry of Labor (BMAS) has now published an updated FAQ catalog following the expiration of the SARS-CoV-2 occupational health and safety regulation and rule on May 25, 2022.
The German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) has announced that the SARS-CoV-2 Occupational Health and Safety Regulation will not be renewed.
The provision of Section 56 (1) of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG) makes the granting of compensation for periods of quarantine dependent on vaccination status.
The revision of the SARS-CoV-2 occupational health and safety rule continues to be a long time coming. The responsible work group of the Workplace Committee will not discuss this again until May 11, 2022.
How can employers react to the presentation of a forged vaccination card? Give a warning or immediately terminate the employment? The ArbG Düsseldorf has ruled on a corresponding case.
Since a change in the law (§ 59 IfSG n.F.), periods of quarantine ordered by the authorities are to be counted towards vacation. Dealing with old cases is controversial: An overview
An employer may introduce a "2G model" and terminate employees who do not have a Corona vaccination even before the start of the contract.
Berlin Administrative Court considers one-time vaccination with Johnson sufficient and shortening of convalescent status to 90 days unlawful.
In its new technical guidelines, the RKI has removed the shortening of the duration on the convalescent status for vaccinated persons.
On 9 February 2022, the Federal Cabinet adopted a formulation aid for the coalition factions on the extension of the special regulations when drawing short-time allowance.
Osnabrück Administrative Court finds shortening of convalescent status to 90 days unconstitutional
Against the background of the recently extended short-time allowance regulations and other open questions, the Federal Employment Agency has published the following technical directives on short-time allowance:
On January 14, the Bundesrat (upper house of the German parliament) approved the ordinance passed by the federal cabinet to amend the Covid 19 protective measures exemption ordinance and the coronavirus entry ordinance.
A Lockdown may justify rent adjustment due to the German frustration doctrine. Each case is subject to an individual reasonableness test. There is, however, no defect in the rental object.
Anyone who refuses regular corona tests contrary to a hygiene concept does not have to be employed or remunerated.
The submission of a "mask exemption certificate" neither excludes the right to direct nor does this give rise to a claim for transfer.
Termination for refusal to participate in company corona tests without prior warning is invalid
On 10 December 2021 the Bundestag and the Bundesrat decided on the continuation of the increased benefit rates.
It is right and overdue that the policy now meets the demand for mandatory information on the vaccination status of employees. The initiative comes late, hopefully not too late.
Persons with a mini-job are not entitled to continued payment of wages in the event of official plant closures due to the pandemic
Several federal states already make the granting of compensation dependent on the vaccination status of the employee. Now a uniform practice of the authorities has been agreed upon.
Several states want to make the award of compensation during a quarantine conditional on the worker's vaccination status.
The question repeatedly arises as to how § 616 BGB is to be applied in the case of compensation for loss of earnings pursuant to § 56 IfSG as a result of quarantines ordered by the authorities.
Home office is now in principle not a milder means in comparison to a notice of termination due to a change in the employment relationship
Those who are in corona-related quarantine during their vacation do not get their vacation back without further ado.
A quarantine ordered in the Corona pandemic does not preclude continued payment of wages by the employer in the event of illness.
On 23 June 2021, the Federal Cabinet adopted the new version of the Corona - Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance - with effect from 1 July 2021.
The Higher Regional Court of Cologne (Case No.: 1 U 9/21) has ruled that a cancellation of hotel rooms booked before the outbreak of the pandemic justifies a 50/50 split of the booking costs.
From 07 June 2021, company doctors will also be involved in the decentralised COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
The Regional Court of Cologne has ruled that the cancellation of a trade fair scheduled for March 2020 at the end of February 2020 was not culpably in breach of duty - despite the absence of an official order at the time.
Following publication of the government draft on 20.01.2021, the biggest reform of partnership law in over 100 years could be implemented before the end of this legislative period.
As things stand at present, the temporary suspension of the obligation to file for insolvency granted by the legislator under certain conditions will probably expire on 30 April 2021.
According to the LAG Düsseldorf, no vacation entitlements accrue during short-time work zero due to the lack of a duty to work.
A quarantine order by the employer without an official obligation does not lead to the loss of the obligation to continue to pay wages
On January 19, 2021, further tightening was passed to supplement or amend existing measures to contain the Corona pandemic.
On the question of whether the employer may demand a negative Corona test for entry to the company, there is a first decision which in this respect proves the employer right.
The bridging aid has been improved and expanded once again from January 2021 and now also offers more mechanical engineering companies the opportunity to use and help with financing. Bridging aid is a grant towards fixed costs that does not have to be repaid. The Corona assistance funding period covers November 2020 to June 2021, and the maximum monthly funding amount for all companies is now up to €1.5m.
On December 3, 2020, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) extended its special regulation for determining incapacity for work until March 31, 2021.
Companies may unilaterally order short-time work if necessary, even by giving notice of termination without notice, e.g. in order to avert the threat of insolvency.
Against the backdrop of the still rising infection figures, the Federal Government and the Länder decided on 19 January 2021 to introduce further tightening measures to contain the Corona pandemic.
The employer is entitled to order the wearing of a mask covering the mouth and nose during working hours.
The VDMA has compiled advice and experience from various companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector on how to maintain production despite a pandemic.
Short-time work, home office, sick leave and the opportunities of the crisis. Here you can read an overview of the assessments of the HR managers in our industry. In the download you will find the complete presentation of the results.
The VDMA Legal Department has updated its notes on the factual and legal situation in connection with COVID 19. The fifth edition of the leaflet, dated 13.01.2021, is now available.
In the opinion of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the conditions for urgent awards for the purchase of services are met.
Checklists, information on legal and insurance aspects, and contacts at VDMA.
Optimally informed - travel restrictions and national measures during work assignments by Corona
The Corona-related restrictions on entry into Germany from third countries will cease to apply until further notice. The Corona virus entry regulation only applies to virus variant areas.
There is growing anger in the mechanical engineering industry about the strict and unpredictable Chinese entry restrictions. Many VDMA members are complaining about harassing conditions, which are also to the detriment of Chinese customers. They are demanding that the quarantine requirement for vaccinated persons be lifted.
The strict and unpredictable Chinese travel restrictions have numerous consequences, both for machine builders and their Chinese customers. VDMA member companies describe the current problems and call for rapid changes to the quarantine regulations.
The Uzbek government has lifted the quarantine obligation for countries from Omikron - risk areas again.
With the removal of US entry restrictions, business travel between Europe and the US is returning to normal mode. However, the entry status for convalescents is not explicitly regulated. There is an urgent need for clarity here.
Entry into Kenya is possible with a valid proof of vaccination, which can be presented instead of a negative PCR test.
The US government is planning to lift entry restrictions in the USA for travellers from Schengen countries. The VDMA has been calling for this measure for some time and has repeatedly pressed for it in political talks. It is good that there is now movement in the matter.
As of February 1, 2022, Chile further flexibilizes entry for foreigners. A new immigration law does not change anything for assemblers.
Entry for distribution and assembly also possible without quarantine.
The EU should quickly agree on a single European vaccination passport and introduce the Digital Green Certificate across Europe. This would greatly facilitate the posting of workers within the EU.
The VDMA offers events on current foreign trade topics, on the web and live on site.
Since the beginning of the year, the People's Republic of China has tightened the entry requirements for foreign specialist staff to such an extent that it is hardly possible for SMEs to comply. As a result, many machines and systems cannot be installed or maintained. The VDMA is calling for pragmatic solutions.
United States opens borders to all fully vaccinated travelers; NIE Waivers are now invalid
Additional PCR test after entry eliminated.
Entry into Russia is becoming possible for more and more EU citizens.
Step towards normality: Entry to Kazakhstan possible again without visa. The 7-day quarantine for travelers from Germany has been abolished.
Fully vaccinated exempt from submission of PCR test.
Shortened quarantine period introduced
The increasingly resurgent calls for border closures within the EU must be buried as a matter of urgency. Border closures in the internal market would have unforeseeable consequences.
Air travel to Colombia is slowly resuming (as of 16.06.2021).
Life has returned to normal in Brazil. Entry is possible with vaccination protection, convalescent status is not recognized.
Israel has lifted all corona-related restriction. However, trips to Israel need to be registered before departure. (Status 30.06.2022)
Since the beginning of June, entry into Ukraine is generally possible again. All entrants require an appropriate negative test or proof of vaccination.
It is possible to send employees to Egypt. (as of 27.06.2022)
Foreign travellers seeking a short-term stay in the United Arab Emirates (e.g. tourists or business people) may enter the country, provided they meet the general entry requirements (as of 28.04.2021).
The EU-Commission published on 13 May 2020 a so-called tourism and transport package. One aim is to help the EU Member States in gradually lifting the travel restrictions imposed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Visa procedures suspended for 68 countries
Companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia are coming under increasing pressure from the current problems in supply chains and energy supply.
The VDMA's 13th flash survey shows that the existing problems in the supply chains of NRW's mechanical and plant engineering sector are being exacerbated by the effects of the Ukraine war.
Against the background of various influencing factors, such as the Corona pandemic, the VDMA conducts flash surveys. Here you will find the NRW evaluations of the individual surveys.
The Infection Protection Act with the 3G proof obligation at the workplace presents the mechanical and plant engineering industry with an additional administrative burden that will not decrease in the near future.
The effects of the Corona pandemic continue to be a companion for North Rhine-Westphalia's mechanical and plant engineering sector - as shown by the VDMA's 12th flash survey.
Since the end of November 2021, 3G is mandatory in the workplace. What is supposed to have a positive effect on the development of the pandemic poses major challenges for practitioners in companies.
Bavaria's mechanical and plant engineering sector expects to make up, at least in part, for the severe economic setback suffered by Corona in the current year.
The 9th VDMA flash survey shows that the effects of the corona pandemic for the mechanical and plant engineering industry in NRW are not as serious as feared. Nevertheless, there is still a rocky road ahead.
The state-specific NRW results of the VDMA's 8th "Blitz" survey show that - contrary to initial hopes - the economic recovery is still some way off.
The Saarland state government is expanding its package of measures to help Saarland companies in the Corona crisis.
All information specific to the state of Hesse has been compiled on a single Internet site for all departments. Among other things, all ordinances and general ordinances on combating the corona virus are available here at a glance and as downloads.
The 7th VDMA flash survey shows that the majority of mechanical engineering companies in North Rhine-Westphalia expect the situation to improve in 2021 after a disappointing year in 2020.
The worldwide spread of the corona virus (2019-nCoV) also leads to numerous questions for companies. The Ministry of Economics, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture publishes important information and contact persons for affected companies.
According to the VDMA's 6th flash survey, the vast majority of NRW machine builders (more than 80 percent) are confident of returning to the nominal sales level of 2019 by 2022.
According to the VDMA's 5th flash survey, almost all of the North Rhine-Westphalian mechanical and plant engineering companies surveyed see their operations impaired.
Over the past few weeks, the Executive Board of the North Rhine-Westphalia Regional Association has held intensive discussions on the impact of the Corona crisis on the mechanical and plant engineering sector.
Exclusive advisory talks and information, web meetings, an intensive exchange with politicians and publicity campaigns: Even in times of crisis, the VDMA is there for its members.
83 percent of the mechanical engineering companies in North Rhine-Westphalia have already taken measures to adjust capacity.
The "Procurement" task force of the NRW ministries coordinates inquiries and offers via central mail address.
For your information and convenience, we have compiled an overview and the corresponding contact details and web addresses below. We hope that this will help you in your work. If you have any questions or general queries or concerns during this difficult period, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Featured topic
Helpful Informations
-
Federal Foreign Office
-
Corona crisis: short time allowance
-
KfW Corona support for companies
-
Government support for industry
-
BMWI: Überbrückungshilfen Mittelstand
-
Government support "go-digital"
-
Corona: world market impact
-
Robert Koch Institut
-
Corporate pandemic planning
-
Operation of air conditioning and ventilation
-
Trade Fair Association AUMA: Changes in dates of trade fairs
-
Data protection in the Corona crisis context
-
Information given by DAkkS
