German authorities have said the country will introduce domestic measures to protect against COVID-19 in October. They will operate at least during the autumn-winter period.
The German 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 lands of the country, a mask regime should be introduced on air and intercity public transport.
“In certain areas across the country, special protective measures should be applied – the requirement to wear masks on air and long-distance public transport, in hospitals and other medical institutions.”
In addition, the government confirmed that the federal states have the power to make their regulations to ensure the functioning of the health care 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 indoor public spaces, including sporting events and restaurants.
However, it was stressed that everyone who has a negative test result, as well as anyone vaccinated or recovered from the virus, should be exempt from the requirement to wear a mask.
At the same time, local governments have the right to apply their own rules and introduce 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 still do not need proof that they have been vaccinated, recovered, or tested. The Federal Cabinet has extended the relevant decree by one month until September 30,” the government said in a statement.
These rules are expected to remain in place until the COVID-19 situation worsens.
Data provided by the World Health Organization shows more than 229,000 new infections have been reported 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.