Germany has adopted new coronavirus protection rules for autumn and winter. As of October, there will only be a few national regulations – such as the requirement for an FFP2 mask in air and long-distance traffic.
In the case of a high number of infections, countries have the opportunity to decide on other measures within a limited framework. What is new is the regulation that nursing homes have to appoint representatives for testing, vaccination and hygiene – they will receive an additional €750 per month for this.
“With this toolkit, we can deal with the predictable corona wave in the autumn,” said Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD). “Mandatory masks, vaccinations and ceilings inside can be adapted to the situation.” The aim of the new rules is to avoid high death rates, many lost workdays and serious long-term consequences.
Aviation industry protests
Lufthansa and the Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry (BDL) reject the strengthening of the mask requirement on board aircraft. The fact that FFP2 masks become mandatory on board is not proportionate.
The previous mask requirement was difficult for many passengers as it still applied in almost no other European country, according to the BDL. “Even the European authorities see no reason for this.”