Germany introduces new COVID rules amidst rising infections in colder months

Residents in Germany will from October 8 have to adjust to a new set of rules aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

The rules are being introduced as the country is seeing a steady rise in infections amid colder weather, with officials recording 96,367 new cases in the past 24 hours, around double the number recorded a week ago, DW reports.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach called the new rules strict compared with other European countries but said Germany was being "not smarter but more cautious" in its approach.

From October 8, passengers over the age of 14 on long-distance trains will be obliged to wear FFP2 masks — similar to the US-standard N95 respirator — rather than the less-protective surgical masks that have hitherto been compulsory.

Health ministers in all 16 German states have agreed that passengers on local buses and trains will be required to wear at least surgical masks, although that is not mandatory under the new federal rules.

Air travellers will, on the other hand, be able to dispense with masks, which is in line with the practice of other EU countries and airlines.

FFP2 masks are now also to be worn in hospitals, nursing homes and doctors' offices. Before visiting a nursing home or hospital, a negative test must be presented and employees at such facilities must be tested several times a week.

If the infection situation worsens, states have the power to impose further measures, such as requiring masks to be worn in indoor areas such as shops and restaurants. Tests can also be made compulsory at schools and day-care centres.

At schools, states can also reintroduce mandatory mask-wearing but only for children aged over 11.