Senate relaxes mask and test requirement in nursing homes

The Berlin Senate has relaxed the mask and test requirement for care facilities that was in place because of Corona.

As Health Senator Ulrike Gote (Greens) announced on Tuesday, residents of retirement and nursing homes will no longer have to wear masks. For staff, however, masks will continue to be compulsory, specifically for activities close to the body or if the patients so wish.

For visitors to care facilities, it makes sense for them to still wear a mask, said Gote. However, the mask requirement does not apply when visiting the seriously ill and dying. The previously applicable testing obligation for visitors has also been relaxed. The home providers can now decide on this on their own responsibility. "Testing is still going on in the schools this week and next week," said Gote. After that, the education administration will decide how to proceed.