FFP2 mask requirement on long-distance trains
New Corona rules are in force
10/01/2022 01:31 am
At the beginning of October, new corona rules will take effect nationwide. Wearing an FFP2 mask is now mandatory on long-distance trains and buses. If the infection situation worsens, the federal states can also prescribe further measures.
In long-distance trains and long-distance buses such as Flixbus, passengers have had to wear FFP2 masks since October 1st. At the turn of the month, the corresponding new Corona regulations came into force. In the long-distance trains, a surgical mask was sufficient so far, an FFP2 mask was only recommended. According to a spokeswoman, a medical mask has also been sufficient for Flixbus so far.
The federal states decide for themselves in regional transport. However, their health ministers had spoken out in favor of sticking to the applicable mask requirement on buses and trains. In airplanes, on the other hand, the mask is no longer required. Nationwide, FFP2 masks must also be worn in clinics, nursing homes, medical practices and other healthcare facilities. A negative test is also required when entering care facilities and hospitals. Employees must be tested several times a week.
The federal and state governments had decided on the new regulations via a further change in the Infection Protection Act, otherwise the remaining corona rules would have expired in September. It also stipulates that the federal states can impose even stricter measures on their own, such as compulsory masks in shops and restaurants or tests in schools and daycare centers. Mask requirements in schools are also possible – but only from class five and as far as it is necessary to maintain “regulated face-to-face teaching”.
Stricter measures only in dangerous situations
The federal states can also make further specifications, such as upper visitor limits for events, distance specifications in public spaces or masks outside if distances are not possible. However, the state parliament must first determine that there is a concrete risk to the health system or other important areas of care.
According to Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach, Germany is currently facing the next wave of corona. At a joint press conference with the President of the Robert Koch Institute, Lothar Wieler, the SPD politician called for precautionary measures and vaccinations. “We are clearly at the beginning of an autumn and winter wave,” said Lauterbach. At the same time, he assured: “We will have the wave under control”.