April Fools?

Today the new Bundesinfektionsschutzgesetz (Federal Infection Protection Law) becomes effective. It bears the liberal handwriting of the Free Democrats, the smallest of the three parties in the traffic-light coalition that forms the Federal Government.

In a pandemic, the law leaves decisions on hygiene measures to the Länder (states). They are now authorized to define Corona hot spots where restrictions on the "freedom" of the mündigen Bürger (mature or responsible citizen) will apply.

The federal infection law also ends the federal Maskenpflicht (compulsory mask), particularly in shops and department stores. FFP2 masks remain obligatory on public transport and in medical and nursing homes. Elsewhere, the law leaves wearing a protective mask up to the individual citizen. The government said it no longer fears overloading the healthcare system, i.e., intensive care units, so it is rolling back restrictions on fundamental rights.

Will removing the mask requirement drive up the curve again? (©ZDF)

Have the April Fools' riders fooled legislators about the currently high infection figures? No wonder Baden-Württemberg's Green governor, Winfried Kretschmann, implored his country people to continue wearing masks indoors voluntarily: "In doing so, we protect our health and show solidarity in the community." Will it help? In fact, a recent poll showed that nearly 70% of Germans considered the return of Corona measures premature.

On the other hand, compulsory masks generated strange situations in the past. When you entered a restaurant, you had to wear a mask until seated. You could take it off, enjoy your meal, and spend an arbitrary amount of time with other people at the table. During that time, your vis-a-vis might be a potential spreader, contaminating the air you breathe with coronavirus. Crazy.

At Kieser's premises, FFP2 masks were obligatory. However, you were allowed to take your mask off while exercising. This is precisely when your aerosol output is highest. Crazy.

Masks were also required at the open-air Freiburg Minster Market, where people sometimes moved around in dense crowds. However, people generally kept their distance when queuing in front of the stands. Red Baron always found the rule of wearing masks in well-ventilated, open-air spaces with people moving around exaggerated.

Where do I go from here? Remember, according to the new law, hygiene measures are now your personal responsibility (Weren't they always?).

Although my limited experience with friends who tested positive for Covid-19 indicates that young, fully vaccinated persons catching Corona have a more "virulent" course of disease than older people* I will not ease my personal protection as described earlier.
*Is this due to the lifelong training of the immune system?

One thing is sure: Red Baron will never suffer from Long Covid.

**