Germany to Lift Mask Requirement on Long-Distance Trains & Buses From Feb.2
The German authorities have announced that starting from February 2, 2023, the mask requirement will no longer apply on long-distance trains as well as in buses.
The decision of Germany to drop the mandatory mask requirement in long-distance traffic was taken after the authorities concluded that the COVID-19 situation is under control, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
Commenting on the matter, the Federal Health Minister of Germany, Karl Lauterbach said that the number of infection cases has halved compared to the previous month. Moreover, the same stressed that the number of hospital admissions has fallen too, suggesting that there is no longer needed to keep such a measure in place.
“The pandemic situation has stabilised. The incidence is only half as high as a month ago. The wastewater monitoring shows constant or falling values. In addition, the number of hospitalisations and hospital admissions fell. The situation there is tense but manageable,” the statement of Minister Lauterbach reads.
In addition to the above-mentioned, the government noted that the population has built a high level of immunity and it has been assumed that there will no longer be a winter wave. Furthermore, it also pointed out that it is not foreseeable that a dangerous variant could occur in the next weeks.
While the mask requirement no longer remains mandatory in long-distance trains and buses, Minister Lauterbach stressed that anyone who still wants to wear a face mask can do so on a voluntary basis.
“We are going into the endemic situation. But anyone who wants to protect themselves and others is of course still well served by wearing the mask – on the basis of personal responsibility and voluntariness,” Minister Lauterbach highlighted.
The COVID-19 situation has significantly improved in Germany. Figures provided by the World Health Organization show that Germany has reported 163,625 new Coronavirus infection cases in the last seven days. additionally, the same reveals that during the last seven days, Germany also reported 96 new deaths.
While the Coronavirus situation remains stable in Germany, the case is not the same in China. For this reason, the German authorities have decided to impose a mandatory test requirement for all travellers from China.
Earlier in January, Minister Lauterbach explained that all those reaching Germany from China will be required to take a COVID test before their departure. In addition, it was emphasised that certain travellers may also be required to undergo a second test upon their arrival.
>> EU Recommends to Impose COVID-19 Test for Arrivals From China
