The obligation to wear a mask also means a smoking ban. Signs needed for the unteachable
19.10.2020 Wherever the warning values of 35 or 50 COVID-19 infections per 100,000 inhabitants are exceeded, new corona protection regulations apply in Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg and Hamburg. These include a mask requirement in public spaces where it is likely to be too crowded to maintain the minimum distance of 1.5 meters. The municipalities concerned will designate squares, streets and pedestrian zones where masks will be compulsory.
Other federal states will follow in implementing the resolutions of the federal-state conference on October 14.
Masks mean a smoking banNow there will be enough fellow citizens who do not feel addressed by this. At least not if they are currently smoking. It can already be observed that, despite the obligation to wear a mask, many people are still smoking on platforms and at stops. It is to be expected that this will not change in the new areas either.
This is why Pro Rauchfrei demands: Make it harder for people to see smoking as a legitimate exception! At least one no-smoking sign should be included on the mask protection signs. So that all citizens know how to behave. After all, anyone who sees the obligation to wear a mask as an important measure to reduce the risk of infection must consistently demand compliance.
For us non-smokers, it’s a blessing anyway if we have to breathe in less tobacco smoke in public places. Especially in these times. Tobacco smoke quickly penetrates the mouth and nose protection, but is difficult to get out again. Deposits (second-hand smoke) can remain on the fabric and cause additional damage to health. Furthermore, we assume that smoking increases the risk of infection for the people around you due to the respiratory droplets that are emitted by the smoker together with the tobacco smoke. Two very good reasons to pay particular attention to smoking.
Masks and smoking are already being discussed in some places:
City of Düsseldorf: response from the city: “The mask may not be removed for smoking within the affected areas.”
Recklinghausen/Datteln district: For smokers: If you don’t want to give up your cigarettes, you have to go to an area where masks are not compulsory. (link is no longer online)
Hamburg: “… the mouth and nose protection may not be removed – not even for eating, drinking or smoking”, as the spokesman for the social authorities, Martin Helfrich, explained on Sunday. (link is no longer online)