Industry in Hamburg keen on coronavirus testing and vaccinations

12 March 2021

Tests of employees seen as positive, quick poll finds - hardly any outbreaks in firms so far

Around 42 per cent of companies in metal and electrical industries in Hamburg wish to offer their employees voluntary coronavirus tests, according to a survey by the North German Association of the Metal and Electrical Industry (Nordmetall) and the AGV Nord trade association. Around 13 companies with a total of 28,000 employees were interviewed in early March for the survey. Another 33 per cent of industrial companies would at least consider testing their employees. Every fourth company took a negative stance and only 15 per cent of companies are offering their employees coronavirus tests.

Vaccinations in companies plausible

"The metal and electrical industries take their responsibility for the health of employees at work very seriously," said Thomas Piehler, Vice President of Nordmetall in Hamburg. Hardly any outbreaks of the virus have occurred in the metal and electrical industries across Hamburg so far, according to Julian Bonato, Chairman of AGV Nord. However, the pandemic still calls for caution, he said, adding: "We want to and will continue our efforts to give our employees and their families more security from the virus." Vaccinations are among possible safety measures in future. Around 54 per cent of companies would offer their employees vaccinations against coronavirus as soon as the vaccines are readily available.

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