Mandatory testing for daycare centers is currently being discussed in many municipalities. This is possible through an order in the respective districts. The Ludwigsburg district office is focusing on a uniform state-wide regulation. However, it is still unclear whether and when a state-wide testing obligation will be introduced. "We have also discussed this with our associated districts and worked towards a uniform regulation with the state," states Allgaier.
There are certainly arguments in favor of mandatory testing. This was the result of a professional exchange between the doctors at the public health department. Children are often asymptomatic and can carry the infection undetected into their social environment. In addition, there is currently no approved vaccination for small children. Masks are not compulsory in daycare centers and social distancing cannot generally be maintained.
The following arguments speak against mandatory testing from a professional point of view: The proportion of children under the age of six among the COVID cases reported in the Ludwigsburg district is currently around five to six percent. Most cases originate in the family environment. In addition, there are often false positive test results in young children, and sampling is difficult if children refuse to be tested (except for lollipop tests).
Having weighed up the above arguments, the Ludwigsburg district health authority is currently taking a professional stance against a general testing requirement in childcare facilities. "I fully support this position," says District Administrator Allgaier. Children have a very low individual risk of becoming seriously ill. "In the current situation, however, it is particularly important that staff and parents are vaccinated."
