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The German government has approved stricter measures against COVID-19, BNT reports.
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According to the health authorities, in the autumn and winter Germany will be covered by a new big wave of the pandemic.
Germany must be prepared in order not to face a new high death rate and another blockade of the economy, the government in Berlin explained.
The measures include the mandatory wearing of masks on long-distance train and bus travel within the country, as well as on domestic flights.
Masks will be mandatory in hospitals and nursing homes, and a negative test will be required to enter health facilities.
"We want to be much better prepared for the pandemic this fall than in previous years. We expect a significant wave of coronavirus in the fall," said Karl Lauterbach, Germany's health minister.
As the number of sick people increases, masks will become mandatory in educational institutions and social homes.
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At the regional level, it will be decided when to introduce the requirement to wear masks indoors and present negative tests.
"We will no longer announce a lockdown and we will not close schools. In schools, it is planned that when the number of infected students increases, students from 5th grade and above will wear masks," added Karl Lauterbach.
The measures are due to come into effect on October 1 and run until April 7.
Before that, however, the government's plan must be approved by parliament.
The measures provoked strong reactions.
Their announcement coincided with the return to Germany of the Chancellor and Minister of Economy from Canada.
From pictures taken on the plane, it was clear that none of the passengers were wearing a mask, despite the fact that this requirement was not dropped on long-haul flights.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's office explained that the requirement does not apply to government aircraft.
It can only be traveled with a negative test.
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The coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic