Result of the IHK survey: border closure is disproportionate
01.03.2021
Last week, the Chemnitz Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducted a survey on the effects of the border closure with the Czech Republic on Saxon companies. Here are excerpts from the press release on the results:
IHK Calls for the Border to Reopen as Soon as Possible for Commuters
The current entry regulations at the border with the Czech Republic are having serious consequences for Saxon companies. This is confirmed by the results of the most recent survey conducted by the Chemnitz Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the issue of cross-border commuters. As of February 26, 2021, a total of 255 companies with approximately 25,000 employees participated. About half of the companies are in the manufacturing sector.
“We call on policymakers to restore normal conditions at the Czech border as soon as possible. It is unacceptable that companies are no longer able to operate—or can only do so to a limited extent—because they are losing their Czech workforce. Most of the companies would even accept daily testing of their employees,” emphasizes Hans-Joachim Wunderlich, General Manager of the Chemnitz Chamber of Commerce.
According to the survey results, the majority of respondents oppose closing the border to commuters. While 47 percent consider this measure disproportionate, 14 percent consider it necessary. The short-term changes to Saxony’s quarantine ordinance, as well as the lack of options for response and insufficient planning certainty, are also viewed as extremely critical. [...]
With a view to a possible reopening of the border for commuters, two out of three companies are willing to have their commuters tested daily. This would then make them the most frequently tested population group in Europe. Based on this information, the federal and state governments in Bavaria and Saxony should make a joint decision as soon as possible to open the German-Czech border to commuters.
The full press release and detailed results can be found on the Chemnitz Chamber of Commerce website.