Mask requirement in local transport remains, relaxation for visits

Created: 2022-12-16Updated: 2022-12-16, 7:17 p.m

A passerby carries an FFP2 mask in his hand.

© Marijan Murat/dpa/symbol image

In some other federal states, the mask requirement in local transport has already fallen.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, on the other hand, it will remain in place.

However, there is a relaxation elsewhere.

Düsseldorf – The mask requirement in local public transport in North Rhine-Westphalia remains in place.

In contrast to some other federal states, the NRW state government is sticking to this obligation, as the latest regulation on Corona shows.

For the time being, the most populous federal state is not following the pioneers among the federal states that have already abolished the obligation to wear masks in local transport or have decided to do so.

Shortly before Christmas, however, there will be a relaxation elsewhere: From December 23, separate test certificates from test centers will no longer be required for visits to hospitals and nursing homes or prisons.

A negative self-test is enough, the Ministry of Health announced on Friday evening via Twitter.

However, in cases of doubt or symptoms, facilities could have a control test carried out.

On Friday, an ordinance was passed to extend the provisions of the Corona Protection Ordinance and the Test and Quarantine Ordinance until January 31, a spokesman for the NRW Ministry of Health said at the request of the dpa.

It will come into force on December 23rd.

The only significant change is that the test requirements for visitors to facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, but also prisons, would be made more practicable.

"From 23.12.

it is sufficient if you test yourself at home and, if asked, verbally assure the facility that the test was negative, ”explained the ministry spokesman the change.

He also added: "If there is a positive self-test, there is still an obligation to have a control test carried out, either by means of a (free) PCR test or as a self-paying test in a citizen test center."

The federal states can decide for themselves whether masks are compulsory in buses and trains in local transport.

In Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt, masks are no longer compulsory on buses and trains in local public transport.

In Schleswig-Holstein it expires at the end of the year.

Bremen plans to abolish it by March 1, 2023. However, according to the Infection Protection Act, FFP2 masks are mandatory nationwide until April 7, 2023 for long-distance trains and long-distance buses.

As the NRW Ministry of Health lists in an overview on the Internet, wearing an FFP2 mask is still required for access to hospitals and full and semi-inpatient care facilities and comparable facilities.

This applies to both visitors and staff.

Employees in outpatient care services and comparable services would also have to wear an FFP2 mask during their work.

Visitors to medical practices are also obliged to wear an FFP2 mask.

dpa