infection protection
Masks are no longer compulsory on buses and trains – where mouth and nose protection must still be worn in Germany
FFP2 mask on the ground. With the end of the mask requirement in buses and trains, it is becoming more and more obsolete
© Frank Hoermann / Sven Simon / Picture Alliance
Some have been longing for the day, some were skeptical: the mask requirement due to the coronavirus pandemic is now a thing of the past on buses and trains nationwide. But we can’t say goodbye to mouth and nose protection completely.
First it was rejected by the political decision-makers, then recommended and finally made mandatory – now the chapter mask in Germany is (almost) closed after around three years of the coronavirus pandemic.
After wearing a mouth and nose protector in shops, schools and most workplaces has long been waived, the last federal states have now also lifted the mask requirement on buses and trains. The following also applies to nationwide long-distance transport: Wearing a mask is voluntary.
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But even those who decide to protect themselves and others from infection with the corona virus or other pathogens should keep a small supply of masks. Because in some situations there is still a nationwide mask requirement – at least for the time being.
Mask requirement: It still applies here
The health and care sector is affected. The Infection Protection Act stipulates that visitors to certain facilities must continue to wear at least one FFP2 mask. An overview:
- medical practices
- dental practices
- psychotherapeutic practices
- Practices of other human medical health professions
- Ambulatory surgery facilities
- dialysis facilities
- day clinics
- other comparable treatment or care facilities
- Public health facilities where medical examinations, preventive measures or outpatient treatment are carried out
- emergency services
Visitors to clinics and nursing homes must also present a negative corona test. For employees in the health and care sector, there is also a mask and test obligation.
The mask rules of the Infection Protection Act apply up to and including Good Friday (April 7th) – then the chapter will probably be closed for good.
Sources: Federal Ministry of Health, German Infection Protection Act, DPA news agency