Goodbye self-sewn everyday masks: Bavarians will have to wear FFP2 masks in local public transport and retail from January 18.
Some can buy them cheaper.
From January 18, 2021, citizens in Bavaria will only be allowed to use local public transport and go shopping with an FFP2 mask: The Bavarian cabinet decided on January 12.
CSU Prime Minister Markus Söder said according to Bayerischer Rundfunk that everyday life must be made safer and therefore the FFP2 mask requirement will be introduced.
This would protect not only others but also yourself.
The availability in the trade is guaranteed: A statement that should prevent hamster purchases.
Find out here what distinguishes an FFP2 mask from a conventional everyday or surgical mask and where you can buy the face mask.
Face visors, medical face masks or mouthguards that you have lovingly sewn yourself: anyone who is currently looking around the supermarket can examine all conceivable types of mouth and nose protection.
The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) differentiates between different types of masks: On the one hand, mouth and nose covers (including self-sewn masks), medical face masks such as surgical masks and particle-filtering half masks.
The latter category includes FFP2 and FFP3 masks, which promise better protection than everyday masks made of fabric.
The reason for this lies in the material that can catch even the smallest droplets of breath.
This is particularly relevant because coronaviruses can be transmitted via the finest exhaled aerosols.
In order to protect yourself from these, the BfArM recommends FFP2 or FFP3 masks.
Only this type of mask is able to guarantee self-protection.
So throw away all other masks and only use FFP2 masks?
No, any mouth and nose covering - even if it is just a fabric mask - makes sense, as it prevents breath droplets from getting unchecked into the wider environment.
The following applies to everyday masks *:
the more densely the fabrics are woven, the better
.
According to the current state of knowledge, however, FFP masks provide the best protective effect.
FFP2 mask coupons for corona risk groups in January
"FFP" stands for "Filtering Face Piece", which translates as "filterable face piece".
These are work protection masks, which are also known as dust protection masks in the trade.
The white, dome or coffee filter-shaped mouth and nose covers protect the wearer from particles, droplets and aerosols - provided they are close to the face.
The CE-certified disposable products have a different filter performance depending on the level:
Where FFP2 masks filter out 94 percent of the aerosols in the ambient air, FFP3 masks are 99 percent
.
"They therefore offer proven effective protection against aerosols", informs the BfArM and explains: "The test standard is printed on the surface of the FFP mask, together with the CE mark and the four-digit identification number of the notified body".
From December 15 to January 6, people over 60 and people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, diabetes or cancer could pick up three free FFP2 masks or equivalent models from pharmacies free of charge.
Counterfeit-proof coupons from health insurers are to follow in January, as confirmed by Techniker Krankenkasse, among others: "
In the course of January, those entitled to claim will receive two coupons by post for six FFP2 or comparable masks each, which can be redeemed for a personal contribution of two euros
" .
In total, each high-risk patient should receive 15 FFP2 masks, one for each winter week.
Non-risk groups can buy FFP2 masks here:
Pharmacies
Drugstore markets
Online mail order, such as FFP2 masks from the LUYAO brand via Amazon (promotional link)
(jg)
*
Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editorial network
.
Read more
: Corona research: Antiviral mask should best protect against viruses - by disinfecting breath.
Everyday masks and the question of materials
Everyday masks and the question of materials