The mask obligation in long-distance public transport in Germany falls on February 2. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) announced this in Berlin on Friday.
Demands for an early end to the mask requirement had become louder in Germany recently, and within the federal government it was mainly the liberals who pushed for it. According to the Infection Protection Act, the mask obligation in long-distance traffic should last until April 7.
Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) said on Wednesday that the end should come “as soon as possible”. Deutsche Bahn also spoke out this week for an early end to the mask requirement in long-distance transport. As with air travel, long-distance rail travel should also be voluntary, it said.
Face masks are still mandatory in hospitals
In local public transport, the mask obligation has already been lifted in the states of Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein. Berlin, Brandenburg, Thuringia, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony and Baden-Württemberg plan to lift it by early next month.
After February 2, the mask obligation in Germany only applies in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ practices and other healthcare institutions. (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
