Berlin, Germany- The cabinet of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz approved legislation on Wednesday that ensured basic protective measures against the COVID-19 pandemic continued during the fall and winter when more cases related to the virus were expected.
The presentation of the rules and regulations, which also include the new obligation to wear N95-type face masks during long-distance travel by train and bus and on planes, crashed with the publication of pictures highlighting the chancellor as well as German Economy Minister Robert Habeck flying to Canada earlier this week without wearing any facial masks.
The pictures began strong public criticism of an alleged double standard between politicians and regular citizens. At this time, medical face masks are mandatory on planes as well as public transport though N95-style facial masks are advisedb.
Along with this, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, as well as Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, shared the information with the reporters that the specific pandemic rules that apply to the German air force, which operates government flights, were met as well as that everyone on the flight, which also included business from Germany leaders as well as reporters, took a PCR test before boarding the plane.
To the mandatory use of mandatory use of N95-type masks during long-distance travel, the new measures, which will apply from October 1 to April 7, will also include a nationwide obligation to wear a face cover in and test before accessing hospitals, nursing homes and similar institutions with the vulnerable people.
Furthermore, 16 states of Germany will have the authority to adopt their own rules depending on how serious the virus affects their areas. The state governments could made the decision to require facial masks on local public transportation, in educational institutions for young ones in the fifth grade as well as up, the maximum number of individuals at the public events can be limited, as well as testing can be demanded.