Germany and Austria are in the middle of a debate on the requirement to wear an FFP2 mask on trains and other public transport. Everyone has made up their minds this weekend. It will be no in Germany (except in Bavaria) and yes in Austria.
The debate raged following the introduction of the The Land of Bavaria to require FFP2 masks for all public transport in the region. for buses, trams, underground trains and regional trains. This rule has been in force since 17 January.
La Deutsche Bahn debated whether to extend this measure to its entire network. The final conclusion was that it is compulsory to wear a medical mask on trains, buses and in stations. But not necessarily an FFP2 mask. For its part, the company Lufthansa indicates that it will require medical masks from February 1st.
It's a very different story on the other side of the Alps. Visit Austrian Federal Railways ÖBB indicate that according to an order from the Ministry of Health, from 25 January 2021all travellers ÖBB trains, buses and stations must bear an FFP2 mask. Travelling without an FFP2 mask with a home-made or medical mask (blue paper mask) of a lower protection class will no longer be permitted. The railways are promising strict controls and a fine of 40 euros.
La SNCF should probably follow Deutsche Bahn's instructionsThe French government's sole aim is to ban homemade, non-approved masks in public.
