Germany weighs up mandatory FFP2 masks in shops and on transport

Respiratory masks already compulsory in Bavaria over fears of coronavirus mutations

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Germany is weighing up following Austria and Bavaria's lead in making it compulsory to wear full protective filter masks on public transport and in shops, as the country remains on high alert about the impact of possible coronavirus mutations.

The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, announced on Sunday that wearing single-use filtering facepiece respirator, or FFP2, masks would become mandatory on public transport and in shops from 25 January, as the Alpine state moves to extend its national lockdown until 7 February.