As protection in the corona pandemic, children and adolescents between 6 and 16 years of age should also be able to wear surgical masks in the future - instead of the previously prescribed special FFP2 masks.
This provides for an amendment to the Infection Protection Act planned by Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn, which was first reported by the Bild newspaper.
"Masks have to fit so that they protect," said the CDU politician.
"Since there are hardly any suitable FFP2 masks for children and adolescents, we are removing the corresponding obligation for them in federal law." The surgical masks that will be mandatory in the future will be available in suitable sizes, and they will also prevent infections.
Country rules remain in force
Specifically, it is about nationwide requirements for mask compulsory, which were introduced with the law on the so-called federal emergency brake - for example in buses and trains, when visiting the hairdresser or medical appointments.
There are general exceptions to this mask requirement for children under six years of age and people who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons with a doctor's certificate.
There are also mask regulations in the federal states.
The amendment to the Infection Protection Act is expected to be decided by the Bundestag this Thursday and will finally come to the Bundesrat at the end of May.
Among other things, it also provides that not only doctors but also pharmacies can enter corona vaccinations in the planned additional digital vaccination records.