Germany announced the abolition of the mandatory wearing of masks on airplanes

Germany will soon end the mandatory wearing of face masks on commercial flights introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said on Tuesday, after national airline Lufthansa complained that the rule was no longer enforceable.

Authorities will instead focus on ensuring masks are worn on public transport in Germany, Lauterbach said in Berlin, after the coalition government agreed to lift the measure.

Germany is well prepared for a potential increase in the number of infected people in the fall, judging by the minister, who said that the rules of mandatory wearing of masks in some closed or open spaces could be reintroduced if the number of infected people flares up.

Restaurant owners and organizers of public events could also be asked to limit the number of guests again, reports Reuters.