Magdeburg (dpa/sa) – Saxony-Anhalt’s Health Minister Petra Grimm-Benne (SPD) has spoken out in favor of wearing masks indoors again. “From my point of view, it is strongly recommended to wear a mask indoors or in situations where many people gather and no distance can be kept,” she said on Wednesday. The MDR reported about it first.

The SPD politician is currently chairwoman of the Health Ministers’ Conference. However, a corresponding decision with binding specifications should not be made at this level. According to her house, it is “an urgent recommendation”. “I also appeal to the personal responsibility of each individual citizen,” said Grimm-Benne. In addition, institutions, shops or companies could also make use of their domiciliary rights and call for people to wear a mask.

“Similar to the mask requirement in local public transport, which the individual states have specified, I also think that a nationwide procedure for further protective measures is necessary,” said Grimm-Benne. They want to agree on this as part of the conference of health ministers. It can be assumed that respiratory infections will increase in autumn and winter. Vulnerable groups of people must be protected against infection with the corona virus. Masks are “a comparatively mild way to protect yourself and other people from infection.”

In Saxony-Anhalt, the cabinet wants to decide next week on the extension and possible changes to the containment ordinance from October 30th.