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Bavaria is once again tightening the regulations to contain the corona pandemic.
From next Monday, customers in shops and users of trains and buses will have to wear FFP2 masks.
Answers to some of the key questions:
What are FFP2 masks anyway?
These are so-called particle-filtering face masks.
The term FFP comes from the English (Filtering Face Piece).
These masks are divided into three categories - 1 to 3. Originally, they are particularly known from the craft.
The workers protect themselves against inhaling dust or other toxic substances.
The different names go back to how many aerosols the masks can filter.
"FFP2 masks must filter at least 94 percent and FFP3 masks at least 99 percent of the test aerosols," explains the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.
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The President of the Society for Aerosol Research, Christof Asbach, therefore warns against misconceptions regarding the safety of FFP2 masks.
These would not offer 100% protection even if they were worn perfectly - as 6% of the particles would still pass through.
“You also generally have to free yourself from the idea that there is a single measure that lowers the risk of infection to zero.” A mix is important.
Why are FFP2 masks better than the so-called everyday masks?
The main difference is whether they protect others or the mask wearer themselves.
With correctly fitting FFP2 masks, both sides would be protected from particles, droplets and aerosols, explains the institute.
As the Society for Aerosol Research explains, simple mouth and nose covers do not hold off smaller particles as well.
Therefore, they are not suitable for self-protection.
In the case of mouth and nose covering, for which there is no standard, there is also no scientifically proven protective function.
Nevertheless, experts assume that simple masks can also help to contain the pandemic.
"Internationally there are numerous scientific publications that confirm the experience gained about the effectiveness of mouth and nose covers in terms of general civil protection," emphasizes the Federal Institute.
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There are also FFP2 masks with a valve.
These do not filter the exhaled air as well: the protection for others is poor.
These masks thus contradict "the solidarity concept that fellow human beings are protected by collective mask wear," emphasizes the research company
Aren't FFP2 masks very expensive?
Due to the greater demand, the FFP2 masks have become cheaper.
They are sold in drug stores, pharmacies and also online.
There you can buy a pack of ten from around ten euros.
People over the age of 60, pregnant women and the chronically ill have been receiving FFP2 masks in pharmacies since December.
The statutory health insurance companies are currently sending out vouchers again.
Insured persons get a six-pack and only have to pay two euros.
Experts advise trying just one pack of FFP2 masks at first.
In contrast to simple cloth masks, these are much tighter.
Sometimes they are found uncomfortable.
How long can FFP2 masks be worn?
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While the cloth mouth and nose covers can be washed and reused, FFP2 masks are single-use products.
The Tüv Nord indicates that the level of protection drops when they are washed.
These masks could be worn for a day - then throw them in the trash.
According to the findings of the Münster University of Applied Sciences, however, the masks can be reused for private use.
They assume a low level of pathogen exposure, for example when shopping, and present two methods in a flyer: "7 days dry in room air" and "80 ° C dry heat".
With both variants, the reduction of SARS-CoV-2 pathogens is possible.
The TÜV also advises paying attention to the test standard (DIN EN 149: 2009-08), CE mark and a four-digit number that allows conclusions to be drawn about the test institute.
This also applies to the so-called KN95 masks, which are often sold in place of FFP2 masks.
The TÜV also warns of cheap products from the Internet.
How is the mask worn correctly?
The masks only offer the promised protection if they are tight.
Depending on the shape of the face, this does not apply to every model, says the President of the Society for Aerosol Research, Christof Asbach.
Air - and possibly viruses as well - then flow past the sides of the mask.
"If it doesn't seal properly, it's no more effective than a simple mask." Beard wearers would also have a particular problem.
There are very expensive alternatives in the industry with all-round visors, safer HEPA filters and air pumps.
But this is not intended for everyday use.
"Basically, the only option left is to shave."
The pandemic officer at the Klinikum rechts der Isar in Munich considers the obligation to wear an FFP2 mask to be problematic.
“I see the use of FFP2 masks in public very critically, especially because they involve considerably increased breathing resistance and wearing them requires appropriate training,” explained Christoph Spinner.
Is the risk of infection particularly high in local transport and retail?
According to the figures from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), it is not certain that many people will be infected in shops or buses and trains.
According to the RKI situation report last week, private apartments, old people's homes or hospitals are more likely to be the places where many people become infected - at least as far as the cases in which the source of infection can be assigned.
"Cluster situations in anonymous groups of people" such as in public transport are much more difficult to grasp for the health department, emphasizes the RKI.
“The available data can therefore only depict a small section of the actual transmissions.” Overall, the contagions in most regions are “a diffuse occurrence”.
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Johannes Knobloch, head of hospital hygiene at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, says: The obligation to wear FFP2 masks in local public transport and retail will not noticeably improve the infection situation in Bavaria.
"I don't think that makes that much difference," said the hygiene expert.
"In the worst case, the situation can even worsen because people feel more protected and are less cautious."