Facing the rebound of the new crown epidemic, a spokesperson for the German Ministry of Health said on the 14th that the government will distribute free masks to high-risk groups prone to the new crown virus from the 15th, which is expected to benefit about 27 million people.
On December 11, a man (left) registered before undergoing a nucleic acid test at a newly-added COVID-19 testing center in Düsseldorf, Germany. Source: Xinhua News Agency
German News Agency reported on the 15th that the government distributed FFP2 masks through pharmacies across Germany in stages. However, the Federal Association of German Pharmacists expects that people may have long lines when they receive masks.
According to the government plan, the first phase of mask distribution will continue until the 6th of next month. During this period, the elderly over 60 and patients with chronic diseases can receive 3 masks for free with ID cards or materials that can prove that they are susceptible. Other authorized individuals can also bring relevant supporting documents to wear masks.
In the second stage, these people can get 12 masks with health insurance coupons each from January 1 next year. However, 6 masks require a total payment of 2 Euros (about 16 yuan).
FFP2 mask is one of the European mask standards EN149:2001, and its protective effect is close to the N95 mask certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the United States.
The German Ministry of Health estimates that the total cost of mask distribution is 2.5 billion euros (19.9 billion yuan).
Post time: Dec-19-2020
