If you are traveling by public transportation or going shopping in Berlin, you would have to wear a medical mask. Simple everyday masks are now off limits. Medical masks include the popular blue OP masks or the more protective and expensive FFP2 masks. They are actually not meant for daily use, but for occupational safety, for example in healthcare. They can filter up to 94% of viruses like Corona if they are worn correctly (i.e, the mask has to be tight to the face all the time!). Moreover, social distancing should always be observed. It's important to note that wearing masks is also exhausting for healthy people after a while because of high respiratory resistance. FPP2 masks should be worn up to 75 minutes between 30 minutes breaks. So discuss with your doctor if an FFP2 mask is right for you! When you shop for an FPP2 mask, make sure it carries the European Standard symbol (CE) + 4 digits number as well as the print out of EN 149:2001+A1:2009. An FPP2 mask currently costs between €1 and €5. The price at your local pharmacy would typically be on the expensive side but drugstores like Rossmann, discount supermarkets like Lidl, Electronic stores like Saturn, or even Warehouse stores like Bauhaus now sell them at more affordable prices (in store and/or online). You can find good prices at online pharmacies like Aponeo as well. Just always compare prices! The FFP2 masks are designed as disposable masks. However, there are techniques to disinfect them and safely reuse them that are explained in the brochure below (in German) and simplified in English in the short video below. Those techniques are recommended in a study sponsored by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices in Germany. Study brochureCategoriesAll Family Finance Health SELF DEVELOPMENT SHOPPING Archives January 2021 Explore more articles |