In order to be able to get the massively increasing number of infections under control, the Bundestag has decided on extensive changes to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Important for all commuters and travelers: In the future, 3G will apply nationwide for all public transport and long-distance traffic.
With the amendment to the Infection Protection Act, the traffic light parties SPD, Greens and FDP have decided to introduce a nationwide 3G rule (recovered, vaccinated or tested) for public transport and long-distance transport. This means that people who have not been vaccinated are no longer allowed to travel or fly on buses, trains or planes without a negative antigen corona test. This does not apply to children under the age of six. 2G (recovered or vaccinated) or 2G Plus (recovered, vaccinated and tested) currently only applies to access to certain buildings or events. An introduction of 2G or 2G Plus in public transport is currently not planned. Whether 3G or 2G, the problem in buses and trains remains control.
3G does not apply in taxis
In addition to children under the age of 6, taxis are also exempt from the 3G requirement. Although the minimum distance of 1.5 m cannot be maintained, only a CE-compliant mask (surgical mask) or an FFP2 mask must be worn. However, in some federal states there is now an FFP2 obligation, but this only applies to travelers aged 14 and over. However, the Bundesverband Taxi und Mietwagen e.V. strongly recommends that its drivers only use FFP2 masks. In addition, taxis are no longer fully utilized and are practically nationwide equipped with partitions between the cockpit and the passenger area. The passenger seat is therefore no longer occupied by passengers.
The 3G rule has been in effect for long-distance bus trips in most federal states since May 2021. Whether unvaccinated people have to present an antigen test or even a PCR test depends on the federal state and the hospitalization rate.
No requirements in private vehicles
Wearing a face mask when driving in a private vehicle with a person who does not come from the same household is currently not mandatory. A medical face mask (surgical mask or FFP2) is definitely useful. At least when the distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained in the car. Proper ventilation also minimizes the risk of infection in the car. The mouthguard should be stowed in the car easily accessible . However, the space in the rear-view mirror is only suitable to a limited extent because, according to the ADAC, the mask not only impairs the view, but the brain also gets used to the dangling in the field of vision. As a result, the driver can react less quickly to pedestrians or cyclists in case of doubt. A plastic tray that you have brought with you (and cleaned regularly) is the better place to store the mouthguard (carry the mask inside out).If the corona alert level applies in a federal state, before driving with a person from outside the household, it must be checked whether a medical mask or even an FFP2 mask is required in the car. Depending on the federal state, different rules apply here, but they usually apply to all public transport, i.e. to all public transport.
By the way, a mask requirement (surgical masks or FFP2) has been in force at the gas station for some time. In addition, the distance rules must be observed at the petrol pumps and inside the petrol stations. The same requirements also apply to workshops or car washes.
Conclusion
Against the background of the dramatically increasing number of infections, drivers, commuters or long-distance travelers are still pretty much abandoned. What applies when to whom? The typically German answer: it depends. After all, the nationwide 3G rule in public transport is coming. Depending on where you live and the regional warning level, there are still different specifications in terms of 2G, 3G or the masks to be used. It's frustrating. And in case of doubt even endangers human life.
