Status: 08/24/2022 1:07 p.m
The federal government wants to introduce a nationwide mask requirement on long-distance trains and planes. The draft amendment to the Infection Protection Act passed by the cabinet also stipulates that masks and tests must be worn in hospitals.
The federal government has once again launched stricter state intervention options for an expected corona wave in autumn and winter. The plans approved by the cabinet include a nationwide FFP2 mask requirement on airplanes and long-distance trains. Children between the ages of six and 14 and staff should also be able to wear medical masks.
A mask requirement should apply nationwide in clinics and nursing homes. There you should also have to prove a negative corona test before entering. The new corona measures are to apply from October 1, 2022 to April 7, 2023.
countries can react
The countries should also be given the opportunity to react to the development of the pandemic in two stages, depending on the corona infection situation. This includes the obligation to wear masks on local buses and trains as well as in other publicly accessible indoor areas.
If the number of infections is within limits, there can be exceptions to the mask requirement indoors in a first stage. However, if a strong corona wave builds up, the mask requirement should apply without exception.
There should be a mandatory exception to the mask requirement if you show a negative test when visiting cultural, leisure or sporting events and in gastronomy. In addition, exceptions to the mask requirement can be permitted with proof of being fully vaccinated and recovered. However, organizers should be able to make use of their domiciliary rights and impose their own admission rules.
“Cope with the foreseeable corona wave in autumn”
The planned rules are based on a concept from Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann at the beginning of August. Lauterbach said: “With this set of tools we can deal with the foreseeable Corona wave in the fall.” The countries would be given every opportunity to react appropriately. It remains the goal of Corona policy to avoid high death rates, many lost work days and serious long-term consequences.
The draft approved by the cabinet is now going to the Bundestag and could be decided there on September 8th. The Federal Council then has to agree.
Special payments of 1,000 euros per month are now planned so that nursing homes will have to appoint officers to take care of vaccinations, hygiene and drug therapies for those infected, for example with the drug Paxlovid. The facilities should get 250 euros per month for the effort – for employees who take on the tasks alone or in a team, there should be a total of 750 euros.