Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach has defended the corona regulations adopted for autumn and winter. "At the moment the rules are being attacked because they are too strict. But these are exactly the rules that we need to get this under control in time," said the SPD politician to the "RTL Nachtjournal".

"In fact, Germany has the strictest rules at the moment." He believes that other European countries would also adopt stricter measures if the number of cases increased. Lauterbach emphasized that it was only about "possibilities" and not "automatism". He mentioned the obligation to wear a mask indoors.

Last week, the Bundestag passed new regulations in the Infection Protection Act. Otherwise, the legal basis for the remaining corona measures would have expired. From October 1st, masks are mandatory nationwide in long-distance trains, clinics and medical practices. The countries can also take mask requirements in restaurants and other indoor areas on their own initiative.