People in Germany will have to pay for rapid Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests themselves from Monday, with exceptions for people who cannot be vaccinated, including children under 12.

The tests had been offered free across Germany since the beginning of March.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and Germany’s federal state premiers agreed to the move because the availability of vaccinations to all citizens made a permanent assumption of the test costs by taxpayers unnecessary.

However, the regulation also lays down some transitional rules.

“For example, children aged 12 to 17 and pregnant women can still have at least one free test per week until December 31.

“People who need a test to end a quarantine due to a COVID-19 infection will also continue to be tested free of charge.

“PCR tests ordered by doctors or the public health department are not affected by the change and in these cases, the costs will still be covered.

“PCR tests are considered more reliable at detecting infections,” the government said.

A similar step went into effect on Monday in neighbouring Switzerland where the tests are still free of charge for people under 16 years of age.

“Also free for those who have received just one dose of vaccine, people with a suspected coronavirus infection, and those who cannot be vaccinated for genuine medical reasons.

“Programmes with regular testing in schools and at businesses also remain free,” the government said.

Meanwhile, the government has started a new vaccination initiative, since only just under 60 per cent of all people in Switzerland have been fully vaccinated.

It also created 50 more mobile units that offer vaccination without registration across the country.

The health minister has also proposed rewarding people who convince others to get themselves vaccinated with a voucher worth 50 francs (54 dollars).

“In both Germany and Switzerland a certificate proving a person has been either vaccinated, recovered from, or tested for the coronavirus must be shown indoors at restaurants.

“At the cultural and recreational facilities and at events staged indoors.”