Around two weeks after the isolation requirement was lifted in Saarland, the state government is keeping an eye on the development of the number of infections. "We always take a very close look at our situation," said Saarland Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger (SPD) in Saarbrücken. "We experienced in the fall that we had very high numbers, quite apart from the national trend."

Since there has no longer been an obligation to isolate people infected with corona since December 10th, it has been decided to continue to maintain the obligation to wear masks in local public transport. "That seems to make sense to us as it can get crowded there at times," she said.

Other federal states have already abolished the mask requirement in public transport. "You always have to look at the combination of regulations in the countries. For us, it's better to be safe than sorry," said Rehlinger. "We are not changing the rules at short notice for the headline or to be first nationwide. But of course we will also take a close look at the situation in the new year."