German authorities said the country will introduce domestic measures to protect against COVID-19 in October as they are needed for autumn and winter. The government said that as the weather gets colder, the number of infections will start to rise again. Thus, it was decided to introduce measures to prevent the spread of the virus in autumn and winter.
Authorities in Germany say that from October 2022, certain areas of the country should introduce new COVID measures, such as wearing a mask on air and long-distance transport.
"In certain areas, specific protective measures should apply at national level - the mask requirement in air and long-haul transport or the national mask and test certificate requirement for hospitals and care facilities", the German government said.
In addition, the government emphasized that the federal states should be able to adopt more extensive regulations to ensure the functionality of the health system or other critical infrastructure.
It was explained that federal states can require citizens, as well as travelers from other areas, to wear a face mask when using local public transportation or accessing various indoor public spaces, including sporting events and restaurants.
However, it stressed that anyone who has proof of a negative test, has been vaccinated or has recovered from the virus should be exempt from the mask requirement.
"Anyone with proof of a test should be exempt from the mask requirement. Countries should be able to extend this exemption to people who can demonstrate that they have just been vaccinated or have recovered".
However, each state has the right to apply its own rules and introduce additional measures if the health system is threatened.
"Travellers still do not need proof that they have been vaccinated, recovered or tested. The Federal Cabinet has extended a corresponding ordinance until September 30," the government statement said. The country is expected to apply relaxed rules as long as the COVID-19 situation does not deteriorate.