Thursday 2, February
On Thursday, there were 447 new Covid-19 infections reported in Berlin. The seven-day incidence currently stands at 58.9 cases per 100,000 people.
Starting today: no more masks on public transport
The rate of mask use has fallen in the past few weeks from over 90 percent to something closer to 60 percent
The mark requirement first came into effect on Berlin public transport on April 27, 2020 and for the best part of three years we’ve all become accustomed to seeing our fellow passengers’ faces obscured by this protective wear. But that ends today, as the last of the major coronavirus measures are lifted in Berlin and Brandenburg. Some German politicians advise the wearing of masks voluntarily, but it will no longer be enforced.
Since the summer of 2020, the BVG reportedly imposed around 30,000 penalties on travellers who refused to wear face coverings. Nevertheless the rate of mask use has fallen in the past few weeks from over 90 percent to something closer to 60 percent.
Until today, mask-wearing was one of the few remaining protection measures in place, but we’re not totally “back to normal”. Medical practices, clinics and other healthcare facilities will continue to require masking at least until April 7.
