Cinemas, theaters, museums, sports facilities, restaurants, non-essential shops, but also schools: everything remains closed in Germany, at least until February 14. So decided this Tuesday, January 19 Angela Merkel and the presidents of the sixteen regions, which have jurisdiction in health matters, during a videoconference, where the negotiations were long and difficult.
The Chancellor announced additional measures, in particular the obligation to wear medical masks in public transport and shops, or better of the FFP2 type, which further filter the air breathed. FFP2 masks are already mandatory since Monday, January 18 in Bavaria, in public transport.
Medical mask also in business when teleworking is not possible
The measure is justified by the promiscuity in the wagons or the buses, while fewer Germans telework, compared to the first confinement of spring. The new bond will be supported by the distribution of vouchers to 34 million priority citizens. Against € 2, they will allow you to recover 12 FFP2 masks in pharmacies.
In business, teleworking will also be required from now on “Wherever possible”, at least until March 15. When presence in the workplace is essential, it will also be necessary to opt for a medical mask, which will be provided by the employer.
Meanwhile, the vaccination campaign continues: 1.2 million people have received an injection. “The current figures give us hope”, commented the Chancellor in view of the drop in the daily number of new infections (11,369 cases on January 18). But Angela Merkel wanted in the evening of Tuesday to justify this hardening: “We must act now”, mainly to counter the “Serious threat of virus mutations”, especially the British variant.
“He changed the health system in England and we could have the same situation here. This is why we must react now ”, warns Rolf Apweiler, a molecular biologist who advises the government.
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