New corona rules will apply in Germany from October. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) explains the government’s plans on Wednesday.
Frankfurt – The draft for the new Infection Protection Act and the associated new corona rules for Germany were passed in the federal cabinet on Wednesday (24 August). At the beginning of August, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) introduced a legislative proposal.
“Parliament has the last word,” said Buschmann on Deutschlandfunk. Changes to the draft are still possible, since the key issues paper is still being discussed in the Bundestag after the decision by the Federal Cabinet. However, the federal government is under time pressure. The previous Corona rules expire at the end of September. The new Infection Protection Act is to apply from October 1, 2022 to April 7, 2023.
Corona in Germany: These rules will come from October – the government relies on masks and tests
FFP2 masks are mandatory on long-distance trains and planes. In addition, a mask must be worn in the hospital and nursing home. Corona tests are also mandatory here.
“There are no lockdowns, there are no closures,” Buschmann explained. There are also no restrictions on contact. However, what is envisaged is the return of the mask requirement. In future, their introduction will be at the discretion of the individual federal states. Countries like Hesse could therefore reintroduce the obligation to wear masks in shops to protect against increasing numbers of infections. The federal states can also make testing compulsory for all publicly accessible indoor spaces, such as restaurants, theaters or fitness studios.
Corona in Germany: What additional rules the countries can decide on
- Masks are compulsory in public interiors and public transport
- Obligation to make an exception to the mask requirement for those tested at cultural and sporting events
- From the 5th school year: Masks are compulsory if otherwise no regulated face-to-face lessons are possible
- Compulsory testing in schools and day-care centers
(csa)
The Hessian state government is calling on people to get vaccinated against the flu from autumn.
