Germany is canceling the mandatory requirement to wear masks on long-distance trains as of February 2, German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach announced today, as quoted by DPA and AFP.

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The decision was taken against the background of the calming down of the epidemic situation, notes AFP.

At the same time, Lauterbach encouraged people from vulnerable groups to continue wearing masks on a voluntary basis as Covid remains dangerous.

"The disease should not be underestimated," he warned.

The decision came after growing calls from political leaders to drop the requirement, DPA noted.

In October, Germany dropped the requirement to wear masks on airplanes. 

Three German states have already lifted the requirement to wear masks on short-distance trains and public transport, with six more planning to join them by early next month.

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The German railway operator Deutsche Bahn has called on the government to make a decision that wearing masks is no longer mandatory, but optional, just like when traveling by plane. 

After February 2, the federal requirements for wearing masks in Germany will be mandatory only in medical and healthcare facilities. 

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