Before the further government corona restrictions were lifted on March 1, criticism came from the German Foundation for Patient Protection. "It's absurd that visitors to nursing homes and clinics have to wear a mask, but the staff doesn't," said board member Eugen Brysch to the newspapers of the Funke media group.

Once again, the federal government and health minister are acting as if relatives are the greatest risk of infection for those in need of care and patients. "But since the beginning of the pandemic, medical and nursing staff have also been dragging the virus into the facilities."

He complained that countries and experts had failed to focus on the essentials during the pandemic. "That is and will remain the security of old, dependent and sick people." In his view, an effective protective shield for the high-risk group would be a nationwide, daily test regime for nursing staff.

From Wednesday, there will no longer be any testing requirements for access to health facilities. The mask requirement for employees in medical practices, clinics and care facilities has also been lifted. For residents in nursing homes, the mask requirement will then also end.

However, it is valid for visitors to practices, nursing homes and clinics nationwide until April 7th. This should continue to protect risk groups in particular. Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) justified the early easing on March 1 with the stable situation.