In a statement to the press in Berlin, Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach confirmed that masks are no longer compulsory on planes.
Berlin – The new corona rules for autumn are currently being tightened. A relaxation is causing a stir: the FFP2 mask requirement on airplanes is falling. “Masks no longer have to be worn on international flights,” confirmed Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach in Berlin.
Corona rules in autumn: End of the FFP2 mask requirement on the plane sealed
The mask requirement could not be implemented there, Lauterbach explains the decision. “The risk of becoming infected on the plane is low.” The minister refers to the air circulation and filters in the planes. In addition, few people would fly compared to the people who would take buses and trains.
That is why the mask requirement on buses and trains will remain in place in the new Infection Protection Act. “Wearing masks on buses and trains is helpful and necessary,” says Lauterbach.
FFP2 mask requirement on the plane in an emergency by regulation
If the rate of infection increases again in autumn, a mask requirement on airplanes could be reintroduced by regulation. According to the current legal situation, the mask requirement on the plane is valid until September 23rd.
Lauterbach: “With this preparation we will have the pandemic under control in the fall”
Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach is already praising the package for the Corona winter. “We are well prepared,” emphasizes the SPD politician in his brief statement to the press in Berlin. It would be based on four pillars: vaccines, including vaccines adapted to omicrons, medicines for older people (such as Paxlovid) and good data – keyword “pandemic radar”. The fourth point is the Infection Protection Act, which stipulates that masks must be worn, if necessary also indoors. According to Lauterbach, the Infection Protection Act regulates:
- Mask requirement indoors
- Mask requirement outside
- Masks are compulsory on buses and trains
- Mask requirement with upper limits in restaurants and at events
Corona rules in autumn: Lauterbach insists on FFP2 masks in doctor’s offices
An FFP2 mask must always be worn in medical practices – nationwide. In particular from patients in the waiting rooms, emphasizes the Federal Minister of Health. “This point is very important to me, I wanted it to be regulated uniformly in the federal government,” says Lauterbach.
For children, a self-test is sufficient if they suspect corona. No more visits to the doctor are planned, announced Lauterbach. The submission of a negative corona test will be sufficient for school and daycare. A medical confirmation, as initially planned, is now off the table. It remains to be seen whether anything will change in detail.
The Bundestag is to adopt the corona provisions in the Infection Protection Act for the fall on Thursday (September 8th). After that, the Federal Council must also agree. (ml)
