German state of Saxony has become the first federal state to make masks mandatory for public transport and retail to curb the spread of coronavirus.
State Premier Michael Kretschmer (CDU) said the new regulation will apply in the East German state from today.
People in Saxony are now required to wear the masks as some of the coronavirus restrictions are relaxed. They don’t have to wear the expensive FFP2 mask. It is sufficient to cover the nose and mouth using a simple cloth or scarf, Kretschmer said, DPA reported.
He added that if one allows additional contacts of people in so many areas, a mask obligation is “the right answer”.
From today Saxony allows reopening of shops with an area up to 800 square metres. Hygiene and social distancing measures will remain in place.
Latest report shows that there were 2,458 new cases reported on 19th April. So far there are 139,897 COVID-19 cases in Germany. The virus has already killed 4,294 people.
Recently Chancellor Angela Merkel and the premiers of the federal states agreed to relax some of the coronavirus lockdown measures. Shops with a sales area up to 800 square metres may reopen. Car dealers, bicycle shops and book shops irrespective of their sales areas may also reopen. They must however comply with hygiene requirements to curb the spread of coronavirus, as well as limiting access and avoiding queues.
Hairdressers have been allowed to start preparations to reopen on 4 May, with similar restrictions and using personal protective equipment.
Meetings in churches, mosques and synagogues or any religious celebrations or events are still prohibited.
All people in Germany are requested not to undertake any private travel or visits. At the same time, large-scale events cannot take place before 31 August 2020.