Germany from today with new anti-cronerus rules

NFFP2 masks are mandatory on inter-city trains for people over 14 years of age, while surgical masks were previously sufficient. On the other hand, the obligation to wear masks on the aircraft has been removed, in line with relaxation in other EU countries and airlines since summer.

NFFP2 masks are now mandatory in hospitals, nursing homes and medical offices. In homes of seniors and hospitals, a negative test must be presented ahead of entry. Workers should be tested several times a week.

From Saturday, local authorities are authorised to place mandatory wearing of masks on local trains and buses, as well as in closed spaces such as shops, restaurants and halls.

Schools and gardens may be forced to test and impose masks, but only from the fifth grade (11-year) and on, if it is necessary to keep lessons in private lessons.

If the infection situation deteriorates, states have the authority to take further measures.

Health Minister Carl Lauterbach said on Friday that Germany is already “clearly at the beginning of the autumn and winter wave”, but that the country is better prepared than a year ago.

Lothar Wieler, president of the Institute's Disease Control Agency, expressed similar sentiments at a joint press conference with the health minister.

He called for caution and attention, but also said that “is not very concerned”.

Lauterbach urged authorities in 16 states to monitor closely the trends of the cases to set the right time for countermass, such as reintroducing the mandatory wearing of masks in closed environments in businesses.

He described COVID-19 rules as particularly strict by European standards.

“German is not smarter, but more cautious”, he said.