Across Germany, people can again use public transport without a mask.
In a certain industry, however, the Corona rule remains in place.
Berlin – For the first time in almost three years, travelers on long-distance rail and bus companies will be able to do without a protective mask from Thursday (February 2nd).
The last corona mask regulations are also expiring for journeys in local transport, for example in buses, subways and suburban trains.
Corona pandemic: chronology of the mask requirement in Germany
In some federal states they have already been abolished.
The mask requirement in nationwide long-distance transport was introduced in May 2020 - shortly after the pandemic had reached Germany.
At first, towels or scarves were enough, also because masks were scarce.
At the beginning of 2021, Bavaria was the first federal state to introduce an FFP2 mask requirement, which finally prevailed.
Mask requirement in Germany: This applies to the health and care sector
In the health and care sector, some corona rules still apply: nationwide, visitors to hospitals, care facilities, medical and dental practices must continue to wear an FFP2 mask until April 7th, and access to clinics and care homes also requires a negative corona Test.
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Masks are no longer compulsory in long-distance transport (symbol image).
© Frank Hammerschmidt/dpa
Wearing masks on trains leads to attacks on staff
The mask requirement in passenger transport had repeatedly caused trouble on board the trains.
Deutsche Bahn, for example, registered a quarter more attacks on employees last year than in the previous year.
She attributed this primarily to the enforcement of the mask requirement.
Railway unionists had reported attacks, some of which were aggressive, and even serious injuries
(AFP/dpa/frs)
List of rubrics: © Frank Hammerschmidt/dpa