From today, stricter mask-wearing rules apply across Germany in shops and public transport. Truck drivers loading or unloading at shops will also have to adhere to the rules.
The type of mask required depends on the federal state you are in. In most regions, only a surgical mask is needed. However, FFP2 coverings are mandatory in Bavaria, while FFP2, KN95 or OP masks are required in Berlin.
The stricter regulations apply when visiting shops, including petrol stations, and when using public transport. Note that drivers who take part in loading tasks must also wear surgical or FFP2 masks.
The list of the local restrictions is as follows:
- Baden-Wüttenberg: FFP2masks or masks of the KN95 / N95 standards.
- Bavaria: FFP2
- Berlin: FFP2, KN95 or OP masks
- Brandenburg: better protective FFP2 or surgical masks
- Bremen: there is no obligation to wear FFP2 masks or those with the KN95 / N95 standards. The simpler so-called surgical masks are also sufficient.
- Hamburg: surgical masks or mouth-nose covers with the standards KN95 / N95 or FFP2
- Hesse: FFP2 or surgical masks
- Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: surgical masks or mouth-nose covers with the standards KN95 / N95 or FFP2
- Lower Saxony: surgical masks or mouth-nose covers with the standards KN95 / N95 or FFP2
- North Rhine-Westphalia: surgical masks or mouth-nose covers with the standards KN95 / N95 or FFP2
- Rhineland-Palatinate: surgical masks or FFP2
- Saarland: surgical masks and masks of the FFP2, KN95 or N95 standards.
- Saxony: surgical masks or FFP2 masks.
- Saxony-Anhalt: surgical masks or FFP2
- Schleswig-Holstein: surgical masks or mouth-nose covers of the KN95 / N95 or FFP2 standards
- Thuringia: medical masks (not specified) from 26th January
Photo credit @ https://www.nursetogether.com/