Implementation of the new program scheduled for the upcoming years:

As the number of COVID-19 infections continues to rise in autumn, the government of North Rhine-Westphalia is taking several measures to combat the spread.

A comprehensive testing infrastructure is seen as crucial for prevention, with the testing strategy involving occupational physicians in the region and the use of rapid tests. A testing summit, which would also include employers, is urgently needed, according to demands made by the SPD and parent associations.

The state government has promised the health authorities around 800 temporary positions for relief. After the necessary parliamentary vote on these new positions, the state must immediately launch a job offensive for the additional personnel.

The restaurant and event industry, severely affected by COVID-19 restrictions, are in need of financial aid. The SPD has demanded an aid program of 290 million euros for the gastronomy sector and 525 million euros for the event industry from the state's rescue shield.

The situation has led to a decrease in the acceptance of necessary restrictions related to COVID-19 by the public. In response, the state government is proposing a new traffic light system, although further details are yet to be disclosed.

Political leaders are also taking action. Sonja Bongers, the Chairperson of the SPD City Council faction and a member of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament, has demanded a school summit. If the state government fails to organize the summit, the SPD has threatened to do so themselves. The chairperson of the SPD city council faction in North Rhine-Westphalia who is also a member of the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia is Achim Post.

These challenges underscore the need for a coordinated and swift response from the government and the public to effectively manage the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in North Rhine-Westphalia.