Berlin (dpa) – Some 27 million people classified as being at high risk from the novel coronavirus are to receive high-quality masks free of charge in Germany starting on Tuesday, according to a Health Ministry spokesperson.
The masks, classified as FFP2 under European Union standards, will be distributed in stages from pharmacies throughout the country. The ABDA pharmacists’ association warned that it expected long queues to form.
In the initial stage, those older than 60 and those with chronic ailments will be able to collect three masks each, free of charge, up to January 6 on presentation of personal identity or evidence of belonging to a risk group.
Another duly authorized person is allowed to collect the masks on presentation of the necessary documentation.
In the second stage, the same group will be able to receive a further 12 masks from January 1, on presentation of a health insurance coupon and payment of 2 euros (2.45 dollars) for six masks.
While the FFP2 mask is an effective filter of particulates, it does not provide 100-per-cent protection. The FFP2 standard is similar to the US N95 standard.
The cost of the distribution is estimated by the Health Ministry to total 2.5 billion euros, it said on Monday.
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