Mask requirement in means of transport remains: “patchwork of regulations that no traveler understands anymore”

Created: 05/13/2022, 18:53

By: Patrick Huljina

In many areas, the mask requirement in Germany has already fallen, but not yet in the means of transport - and it will remain so for the time being.

Berlin – On Wednesday (May 11), EU authorities announced easing of the mask requirement with a view to the corona virus.

Starting next Monday (May 16), the aviation security agency EASA and the EU health authority ECDC will withdraw the general recommendation for the mandatory wearing of masks in airports and airplanes.

In Germany, however, the mask requirement on public transport should continue to apply.

This was confirmed, among other things, by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD).

Mask requirement on planes, buses and trains - Lauterbach "lacks the leeway"

With up to 150 corona deaths every day and a still very high incidence, “there is no leeway to do without masks in public transport,” Lauterbach wrote via Twitter.

The Greens expert Janosch Dahmen also told the German Press Agency that it would be unreasonable to lift the mask requirement now.

"We need protective masks on trains and buses for a safe summer." Crowding in vehicles creates ideal conditions for the corona virus.

"The pandemic may be out of the mind of some, but it has not disappeared from our lives," says Dahmen.

The nationwide mask requirement on airplanes and long-distance trains is stipulated in the Infection Protection Act until September 23rd.

In local public transport with buses and trains, the federal states can make masks compulsory.

The relaxation of the recommendation for air traffic by the EU authorities caused discussions in Germany.

Accordingly, a mask requirement in the machines should continue to apply if such a requirement exists at the departure or destination.

Politicians and experts fear a mess in international traffic.

The mask requirement in means of transport will remain in Germany for the time being.

(Iconic image) © Christoph Soeder/dpa

Mask requirement in air traffic: Politicians and experts fear a “patchwork”

Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) had therefore called for the mask requirement to be ended on buses, trains and planes.

He reiterated that it was about a uniform approach in Europe.

It's difficult on planes when people are confused: "In some countries you don't have to wear a mask.

When you get on in Germany, you should wear a mask,” said the FDP politician on ARD.

"There is no German corona virus, it is a uniform problem in Europe."

The German Travel Association warned of a "patchwork of regulations when traveling in Europe that no traveler understands and can understand".

The mask requirement for flights should also end in Germany in order not to dampen the burgeoning desire to travel again.

The pilots' union "Vereinigung Cockpit" also called for its abolition as soon as possible.

"Our passengers are as international as the entire industry, isolated solutions are not practicable," explained President Stefan Herth.

He warned of conflicts with guests and expected delays before the travel season.

Mask requirement on public transport: FDP Vice Kubicki accuses Lauterbach of “scaremongering”.

“Harmonization makes sense when the pandemic is over.

That's not the case yet," Lauterbach replied on Twitter.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that the mask requirement on aircraft that land or take off in Germany continues to comply with the EU recommendation.

Green expert Dahmen said: “The European recommendations expressly include a national mask requirement.” The current pandemic situation gives no reason for premature changes to the Infection Protection Act.

FDP Vice Wolfgang Kubicki, on the other hand, accused Lauterbach and Dahmen of “largely unproven scaremongering”.

After the mask requirement in public spaces was abolished, the number of infections dropped.

For the head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), Andreas Gassen, an end to the mask requirement, at least on airplanes, would be justifiable.

“The mask requirement is not medically required in airplanes, for example.

In airplane cabins, the air is exchanged every four minutes," he told the

.

In many parts of Germany, the general obligation to wear masks for events or when shopping has been abolished since the beginning of April.

Irrespective of government regulations, however, there are still protective rules with mask requirements in some places - for example in cultural institutions.