In the debate about easing the mask requirement in view of falling corona numbers, the federal government urges caution. You shouldn't loosen it too quickly, especially indoors, said the deputy government spokeswoman Martina Fietz on Monday in Berlin. "We all have more of it if we discipline ourselves a little and are careful." It is important to keep in mind that there are new virus variants that could become dangerous. In general, it is to be welcomed that the number of new infections has decreased. Of course, protective measures would then also have to be lifted “bit by bit”, Fietz made clear.

Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) told the newspapers of the Funke Mediengruppe (Monday): "In the case of falling incidences, we should proceed in stages: In a first step, the mask requirement can generally be omitted outside." This already refers to "the current state" of the pandemic , explained a ministry spokesman when asked.

For open-air concerts and other get-togethers, hygiene concepts would have to apply that would be determined regionally.

Spahn also said that in regions with a very low incidence and a high vaccination rate, the obligation could gradually be omitted indoors.

“As a recommendation, there is always a simple rule: if in doubt, wear a mask, especially when traveling and when meeting indoors.

There is only more security if everyone present is either vaccinated or regularly tested. "

Söder advises restraint

The Free State of Bavaria does not want to suspend the mask requirement for the time being.

"I advise caution," said Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) on Monday in Munich.

The opening steps in Bavaria are only a week old.

"It is not yet clear how it will all work," said Söder, also with a view to numerous parties on the weekend, not only in the context of the European Football Championship.

In addition to vaccination, the mask is one of the few effective instruments in the fight against corona.

"I think it's a shame when the federal government, without any competence in the matter and without any competence, makes a proposal to the states at this point," said Söder.

The FFP2 mask requirement is a success.

He is against giving up everything too quickly now.

Premature loosening has already turned out to be a mistake in the past.

"Don't always pay attention to everything when the sky clears up," said Söder

Denmark rushes forward

The extensive lifting of the mask requirement in Denmark from this Monday on had also fueled the debate in Germany.

The FDP and AfD called for a complete repeal.

The SPD health expert Karl Lauterbach and CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt consider this only possible outside, but not inside.

In Denmark you only have to wear a mask as corona protection in local public transport if you are not sitting there. The mask is supposed to disappear completely by September 1st. The country had already initiated its step-by-step path out of the corona measures in spring. Since then, numerous restrictions in the country have been reduced, so that now basically everything is open again except for the discos, which are now expected to open at the beginning of September.