All of Germany's states have announced plans to make face masks compulsory to combat the spread of coronavirus. BBC News reports that Bremen became the final federal region to back the measures, with its senate set to confirm the decision. Mask use will be compulsory on public transport throughout Germany, and nearly all states will also make face coverings mandatory when shopping. The report says Chancellor Angela Merkel strongly recommended their use when she eased lockdown rules nationwide.
The new rules come into force in most states from Monday, once they pass in local legislatures. But where face masks will be required differs from state. All 16 states will make facial coverings a necessity on public transport. But in Berlin, it will not be compulsory to wear a mask when shopping.
This is also the case in the northern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: that state has announced a fine of €25 for anyone caught without one on public transport. Other states have yet to specify punishments.
The Local reports that the dates in which the mask requirement goes into effect, or has already gone into effect:
Baden-Württemberg (valid from April 27th)
Bavaria (valid from April 27th)
Berlin (valid from April 27th)
Brandenburg (valid from April 27th)
Bremen (valid from April 27th)
Hamburg (valid from April 27th)
Hesse (valid from April 27th)
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (valid from April 27th)
Lower Saxony (valid from April 27th)
North Rhine-Westphalia (valid from April 27th)
Rhineland-Palatinate (valid from April 27th)
Saarland (valid from April 27th)
Saxony (valid since April 20th)
Saxony-Anhalt (valid from April 23rd)
Schleswig-Holstein (valid from April 29th)
Thuringia (valid from April 24th).
[link url="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-52382196"]Full BBC News report[/link]
[link url="https://www.thelocal.de/20200423/face-masks-in-germany-what-are-the-requirements-and-fines-for-every-state"]Full report in The Local[/link]