German the government believes that as the temperature drops, the number of infections will start to rise again. Thus, it was decided to introduce measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the autumn-winter period.
The authorities specified that from October 2022, in some parts of the country, a mask regime should be introduced on air and intercity public transport .
“In certain areas throughout the country, special protective measures must be applied — requiring masks to be worn on air and long-distance public transport, in hospitals and other medical facilities.
In addition, the government confirmed that the federal states have the authority to make their own regulations to ensure the functioning of the healthcare system and other critical infrastructure.
The federal states may require citizens, as well as tourists, to wear a mask when using local public transport and when visiting various public indoor spaces, including sporting events and restaurants.
However, it was emphasized that everyone, those who test negative, and anyone who has been vaccinated or recovered from the virus, should be exempted from the requirement to wear a mask.
However, local governments have the right to apply their own rules and impose additional measures if the health system is under threat.
In addition to announcing new domestic measures, the government said Germany would not tighten entry rules for foreign tourists. Thus, in one of its latest press releases, it is explicitly stated that all travelers on arrival are still exempt from presenting vaccination certificates, certificates of recovery or testing.
“Travelers to Germany are still not proof is needed that they have been vaccinated, recovered, or tested. The Federal Cabinet has extended the relevant resolution by one month until September 30, — said in a government statement.
These rules are expected to remain in place until the situation with COVID-19 worsens.
Data provided by the World Health Organization show that more than 229,000 new cases of infection have been registered in Germany in the past seven days. In addition, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, 74.2 percent of all German adults have already received their first booster shot.