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Lessons with a mask: The FFP2 mask requirement in schools has now been lifted
Photo:
Gregor Fischer / dpa
As a protective measure in the corona pandemic, wearing FFP2 masks became compulsory in many places.
So far, however, the masks are only available in sizes for adults.
According to its own statement, the federal government now sees the need for FFP2 masks for children.
This emerges from the response from the Ministry of Labor to a Green request that the dpa news agency has received.
In agreement with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices has therefore initiated the standardization of an infection protection mask at the German Institute for Standardization, which should also take into account masks in child sizes.
The Green politician Tabea Rößner criticizes that this is only happening now.
»It is a poor testimony that after 16 months of the corona pandemic there are still no specific FFP2 masks for children on the market.
Children are not little adults, so it is shocking that there is insufficient research and development in this area, ”she said.
Criticism from the Greens
The FFP2 mask requirement in schools has been lifted, but many children wear adult-oriented masks on buses and trains.
"It is irresponsible that the federal government did not act earlier in view of the pandemic situation that has persisted for so long." The federal government had failed to provide targeted protection for children.
In its answer, the Federal Government referred to a European standard according to which ten test persons with different face shapes are selected when checking a mask.
It is therefore not ruled out »that masks are manufactured and tested that are suitable for children and young people in the area of infection protection.
In this case, particular attention must be paid to the correct fit of the mask for children and young people when making the selection. "
asc / dpa
