Student Laura Glatz (29) from Brandenburg: “Fortunately, the decision is free. When it’s tighter and fuller I still put them on for protection” Photo: Ralf Lutter
By Mary-Lou Künzel and Pierre Ngendakumana
Free travel on buses and trains! After 1011 days, the mask requirement is over. From now on, it is up to everyone to wear a mouth and nose protector in public transport. How mask are Berliners and Brandenburgers now?
Masks have been compulsory since the end of April 2020. The last mandatory FFP2 mask became mandatory in Brandenburg from November 2021, in Berlin from March 2021. The two states have now tackled the end of the mask requirement together.
The warnings can still be heard on some buses. BVG press spokesman Jannes Schwentu: “Of course we are now removing all the information. For technical reasons, there may still be temporary announcements for buses and trams that are continuously on the road in night traffic and have therefore not yet returned to the depot.”
BZ asked: How mask are you still?
Student Charlotte Lutz (18) from Pankow: “I ride the train without a mask because it only bothers me now. Unless it is very crowded and there is a greater risk of contagion” Photo: Ralf Lutter
Social worker Felix Müller (38) from Friedrichshain: “I’m happy that I can finally breathe normally again” Photo: Ralf Lutter
Teacher Susanna (44) and daughter Loreley Tjaben (12) from Brandenburg: “I probably won’t wear them on public transport anymore. Despite the mask, I got infected several times,” says Susanna Tjaben Photo: Ralf Lutter
Landscape architect Philip Paar (51) from Treptow: “Until winter is over, I’ll drive with a mask out of caution and consideration. I have several acquaintances who have become infected.” Photo: Ralf Lutter
Survey on the lifted mask requirement / Saskia Mindermann 21 Photo: Ralf Lutter