Berlin, 24 August 2022 (dpa/MIA) — The German Cabinet on Wednesday approved tougher protection requirements ahead of an expected fresh wave of coronavirus infections this autumn. These include the mandatory wearing of FFP2 masks on aeroplanes and long-distance trains nationwide. Children between the ages of 6 and 14, as well as staff, will also be allowed to wear medical masks. Masks are to be compulsory in clinics and nursing homes throughout Germany, and proof of a negative SARS-CoV-2 test will be required before entry. The federal states will be able to impose further protective requirements from Oct. 1 to April 7, depending on the level of infection. These include mandatory wearing of masks on local buses and trains and in other publicly accessible indoor areas. There will be a mandatory exemption from the mask requirement if a person can present a negative test result when attending cultural, recreational or sporting events and in restaurants. In addition, exceptions to the mask requirement may be allowed with evidence that a person is fully vaccinated and recovered. The planned rules stem from a concept proposed by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) in early August. Lauterbach said, "With this set of instruments, we can manage the foreseeable corona wave in the fall." The states would be given every opportunity to adapt the measures as needed. He said the goal of the Covid policy remains to avoid high death rates, many lost work days and severe long-term consequences. The draft approved by the Cabinet now goes to the Bundestag, where it could be passed on Sept. 8. The Bundesrat or upper house of parliament must then also give its approval. Mandatory protections against SARS-CoV-2 had been scaled back sharply in the spring, including the general mask requirement in shops.