Protection against the coronavirus and a disease with Covid-19 is very important these weeks. Now the mask requirement also comes in Bremen and Lower Saxony. You can read everything you need to know about breathing masks and self-made mouthgear here.
• In Lower Saxony and Bremen will mask duty to combat coronavirus introduced across the board
• The federal states are gradually introducing new corona rules throughout Germany
• Not all masks offer full protection - but do-it-yourself is allowed
All federal states introduce mandatory masks to protect against uncontrolled corona spread . In Lower Saxony and Bremen, the obligation to wear mouth-nose masks comes on April 27. In buses and trains as well as in shops, it is then no longer permitted to travel without purchased or self-made protection.
It is necessary to wear so-called everyday masks - this can also include scarves. High-quality masks, which should be reserved for use in hospitals, for example, are not necessary. This article explains what differences there are between the individual masks, what protection there is and how to make mouth-nose protection yourself.
Mask requirement: does this apply in Lower Saxony and Bremen?
The mask requirement in Lower Saxony and Bremen applies from April 27th.
© dpa
In Lower Saxony and Bremen , wearing a protective mask is mandatory in some areas due to the corona crisis . As of April 27, citizens must protect each other with a mouth-to-nose covering when shopping and on local public transport . So far, this measure had only been strongly recommended in Lower Saxony.
In addition to Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland also introduce a mask requirement. Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, among others, had previously ordered protective masks to be worn for certain areas.
Mask requirement: How do I wear a corona mask correctly?
The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) advises washing your hands thoroughly with soap before putting them on. Pathogens that you may be wearing on your hands cannot contaminate the inside of the mask. It is still advisable to wash your hands after removing the mask. The mask should cover the mouth and nose and fit snugly on the cheeks so that as little air as possible can penetrate the sides. If the fabric is damp, the mask should be removed or replaced. This is advisable if used for too long.
Mask requirement: How do I properly clean an everyday mask?
Simple fabric masks can be put in the washing machine. Just 30 degrees and detergent are enough to kill the virus. Alternatively, you can iron the mask with a hot iron or put it in the warm oven if the material can take it.
Mask requirement: What do the masks bring in everyday life - me and others?
Most experts assume that a piece of fabric in front of the mouth and nose is primarily an external protection and not a self-protection. The substance can protect against larger droplets and prevent contact with mucous membranes with virus-infected hands. Distance and hygiene rules still apply, as Prime Minister Stephan Weil (SPD) emphasized. Minister of Health Reimann said that the masks also speak for the fact that they are a visible signal of solidarity and that the coronavirus pandemic is not yet over.
Mask requirement in Lower Saxony and Bremen: which masks are there?
Certified protective masks
A simple face covering is not enough for caregivers or other situations in which people have contact with infected or suspected cases of Covid-19 . For example, for use in hospitals so that staff do not become infected, there are masks with FFP protection levels . FFP stands for "filtering facepiece", the requirements for such masks are regulated in the European standard 149.
Read also: Easter is allowed in Lower Saxony despite Corona
Masks with protection level FFP-2 are actually disposable items . However, due to the current scarcity, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommends using the masks several times if possible. However, this should only happen if certain precautionary measures are observed, reports zeitzeitung.de *.
FFP-3 masks have the highest protection level. They are also said to protect against cancer and radioactive particles. Due to their dense filter, the wearer has difficulty breathing, they can only be worn for short periods.
According to current knowledge, masks with FFP-1 classification do not protect against the corona virus .
Professionally made mouth-nose masks
Because of the acute shortage of certified protective masks, the RKI announced that "in the general treatment and care of patients with non-specific acute respiratory infections", mouth-nose masks are sufficient in the current emergency situation . However, both sick and suspected cases as well as treating or caring people should wear such a mask. According to a definition by the RKI, mouth-nose masks should be multi-layered and close-fitting. Although these masks cannot protect the wearer from the corona virus and other viruses, they can catch the droplets of the wearer and thus reduce the risk of the viruses being passed on.
Self-made makeshift masks against the corona virus
Simple masks can be sewn from fabric at home by hand or by machine . Fleece is particularly recommended as a material, at most the fabric should be washable at up to 60 degrees so that the virus can be killed during washing and the mask can be reused. It is important that soap is used at lower temperatures . Among other things, this is contained in conventional detergents .
Making mouthgear is allowed. It is important to point out the less effective protective effect of the masks.
© picture alliance / dpa
But: Such makeshift masks offer the wearer almost no protection against infection with viruses. However, you can catch droplets from speaking, coughing or sneezing and thus protect other people from a corona infection. Many experts, such as the virologist Christian Drosten , therefore advocate wearing such masks in public. You can also remind the wearer not to touch themselves so often in the face. Hygiene measures such as washing hands or keeping a distance should not be neglected despite the mask. The wearer must also be careful when touching and stripping off the masks and, at best, wash their hands before and after.
Professional and self-made mouth-nose masks cannot be used in direct medical contact with corona patients , but they can help to reduce the need for certified protective masks. In addition to private use, they can, for example, be carried in the hospital by employees from technology, administration, kitchen and laboratory as well as external staff from external companies and contribute to external protection.
Sew makeshift masks yourself: what should be considered?
You should pay attention to this:
• The fabric should be washable at 30 to 60 degrees so that the virus can be killed when washing with detergent and soap and the mask can be reused
• Fleece or cotton are best suited
• The mask should fit snugly when worn
• Makeshift masks do not provide protection for the wearer
• However, they catch droplets and contribute to external protection
In another article, we present other simple ways of making a sufficiently good mask yourself.
But be careful : Companies or individuals who are now making mouth-to-face masks out of necessity or willingness to help have to be careful not to receive mail from warning lawyers . In order to sell or donate the products without problems, you should pay particular attention to the correct name.
Since the self-made masks over no protection certification have, they violate product-specific labeling requirements under the German Medical Devices Act (MPG) and against the ban on misleading under Section 4 paragraph 2 of the MPG when they are offered with the word "protection". Lawyers therefore advise to use terms such as mouth covering, mouth-nose mask or makeshift mask.
By Thomas Ferstl and Marvin Köhnken, with material from dpa .
* Kreiszeitung.de is part of the nationwide Ippen digital editing network
List of rubric lists: © picture alliance / dpa
