The German government will eliminate on February 2 the obligation to wear a face mask on long-distance trips on public transport, according to the Minister of Health, Karl Lauterbach, in favor of appealing to «individual responsibility» and the «voluntary» use of masks.
The Infection Protection Act prescribed the compulsory use of masks in long-distance transport until 7 April, but the government has leeway to partially repeal it. Among those who have been calling for this gesture are the Liberals, coalition partners.
The state railway company, Deutsche Bahn (DB), had also spoken out this week in favor of putting an end to the compulsory use of masks on long-distance trains as soon as possible, in order to apply a laxity that already exists in air traffic.
From February 2, masks will only be compulsory in specific places such as medical centers and nursing homes, although the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended their use indoors due to the upsurge in cases of COVID-19 in China.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
