Germany: The authorities of Germany have imposed a new set of rules and regulations for the people of the nation, intending to stop the spread of the COVID-19 infection.
The regulation is being introduced as the nation is looking for a steady increase in infections amid the change in weather, with the officials recording 96,367 new cases in the past 24 hours, around two times the number recorded a week ago.
Moreover, health Minister Karl Lauterbach mentioned the new rules were more stringent than with the other European nations but stated Germany was being “Not smarter but more cautious” in its approach.
From Saturday, passengers more than the age of 14 on long-distance trains will be obliged to wear FFP2 masks, which are similar to the United States standard N95 respirator, rather than the less protective.
Health ministers in all 16 German states have agreed that passengers on local buses as well as trains will be needed to wear at least surgical masks, although that is not important under the new federal directions.
Despite this, all air travellers will be able to dispense with facial masks, which is in line with the practice of other European Union nations as well as airlines.
Currently, FFP2 masks are also to be used in hospitals, nursing homes as well as offices of doctors. Before visiting a nursing home or hospital, a negative test must be presented as well as employees at such facilities must be tested various times a week.
If the infection situation gets worst, the states have the power to set further measures, including requiring facial masks to be worn in indoor areas such as shops as well as restaurants. Tests can also be made compulsory at schools as well as day-care centres.
The states can also reintroduce mandatory mask-wearing at edcational institutions but only for the young ones over 11.
