Pharmacist Association Calls for Extended Mask Mandate in Pharmacies
The North Rhine Pharmacist Association (AVNR) is calling for the continuation of the mask mandate in pharmacies due to high COVID-19 infection rates. Association head Thomas Preis emphasized that pharmacies serve a large number of vulnerable individuals daily.
The North Rhine Pharmacist Association (AVNR) has requested an extension of the mask mandate in pharmacies, citing elevated COVID-19 infection numbers. Thomas Preis, head of the association, stated in an interview with "Rheinische Post" that the planned exemptions to lifting the mandate are insufficient.
"Especially in pharmacies, millions of particularly vulnerable individuals are served daily. Therefore, the mask mandate must continue to apply in pharmacies," Preis argued. He also noted that the mandate helps prevent infections among pharmacy staff.
The association expressed concern that lifting the mask mandate could rapidly lead to an increase in infection rates, potentially endangering the functionality of other critical infrastructure sectors.
Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has also advised German states against letting protective measures expire on March 20, given the high infection figures. The AVNR's position highlights the ongoing need for caution in settings with high public contact.