Why did Germany and Austria imposed the obligation to wear FFP2 masks?
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- By Francesca Celano
Viruses continue to adapt due to nature and new types of viruses are expected to develop over time. There have been several strains of COVID-19 around the world since the pandemic began.
COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, a large family of viruses. Scientists monitor the changes in the virus and seek to explain how changes in the virus can affect the distribution and what form of the disease it can cause.
It is now common knowledge that several variants of the COVID-19 virus have begun to circulate worldwide in recent months.
Three specific variants have now been identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil. They do have something in common on certain aspects, but they are also different in other aspects. They tend to be identical to prior viruses and cause similar disease. On the other hand, the percentages of cases rose with all these variants.
What is actually troubling is that studies have observed that these variations are more transmissible and contagious, but do not seem to cause higher fatality rates or any other form of clinical events.
Are such variants preserved by the vaccines?
It is well known that certain viruses do not need a different vaccine for each variant. However, there are vaccines that have to be updated periodically, on the basis of circulating strains.
For SARS-CoV-2, scientists are still learning and monitoring evolution. Research is changing along with the virus. Some scientists believe in the effect of vaccines that have recently been approved. They agree that a few variations in the virus do not make these vaccines useless. But these ideas require deep analysis because the world is still unsure about them. In any case, it would also be possible to adjust the composition of vaccines very easily.
How do people protect themselves against these new variants, and what are the governments doing?
These variants also behave in the same manner and disperse in the same way but more rapidly. If we allow it the ability to spread and increase in people, it will continue to change itself, as is its natural property. The use of masks is an effective solution to decrease SARS-CoV-2 transmission. As the pandemic has progressed governs have taken different decisions.
As the virus is easier to spread, governs conclude that it is more reasonable to use masks with the highest filter capacity. Given that we don't have different arms to fight new varieties, only the weapons we do have can be strengthened.
FFP2 mandatory in Germany
The German Government has agreed to create the obligation to restrict the spread of coronaviruses through ffp2 masks in public transport and in stores, essentially widening the measure that Bavaria already had adopted.
It is the first country in Europe to take this decision, which has been made possible by an expanding proliferation of new variants, which also fear the authorities. There are, thus, new laws to be respected by German citizens.
Germany's officials have promised that they would offer financial assistance, given the higher market prices, to those who have not been able to afford them.
For instance, Germany asked all pharmacies to offer free FFP2 masks for people older than 60 last month. FFP2's masks are more expensive than conventional ones because of the high filtration of bacteria and their components. Therefore, the German Government is extending its package of vouchers for the neediest people. These people will be sent a voucher in the next few days that will allow them to receive up to 12 more pharmaceutically-free masks. In fact, the cost of ffp2 is about 2 euros and for all families, it cannot be maintained.
Austria also follows the footsteps of Germany
The FFP2 masks, along with public transportation throughout Austria, will be mandatory from 25 January in all retail shops and supermarkets. FFP2 would also be required in trains, hospitals, airports and aircraft. Anyone who does not wear a mask in Austria's long-haul train will receive a fine.
Despite the debate over other initiatives to contain the coronavirus spread, this move has generally been adopted without protests.
"Because of the (more contagious) variants of the coronavirus, it is necessary to protect yourself better," said Hannah Zuegner. "If everyone participates, I think it will change the situation, especially when the vaccines arrive," she continued.
How to buy the best mask to protect you?
This article explains in detail the differences between the masks that can prevent the spread of coronavirus. You will also find a description of the ffp2 masks and how they can protect you from infection with Covid-19.
Eexi is a manufacturer of face masks that produces and supplies high-quality masks across Europe.
Our goal is to help people find the most comfortable mask at a convenient price. Check out our FFP2 mask with clip. No more ear pain! you can tie the laces around your neck!