German Health Authorities, "Producing 50 Million COVID-19 Masks Weekly Starting August"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] German health authorities announced that starting in August, they will produce 50 million masks weekly to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). They plan to curb the spread of COVID-19 by strengthening quarantine measures such as mask-wearing.

Jens Spahn, Germany's Minister of Health, stated at a press conference on the 17th (local time), "From August, we plan to produce more than 50 million COVID-19 masks weekly," adding, "40 million of these will be surgical masks, and 10 million will be masks for medical personnel responding to COVID-19." Minister Spahn also said, "Restrictions on public life have been effective in significantly reducing the number of infections," and "The infection situation is now under control."

Since the 16th of last month, Germany has implemented measures including the closure of public facilities and bans on religious gatherings, as well as the closure of general stores except for essential goods stores. From the 23rd, restrictions on gatherings of more than two people have been enforced. Earlier, on the 15th, German Chancellor Angela Merkel extended public life restrictions such as contact limitations until May 3 and strongly recommended wearing masks.

Germany plans to strengthen quarantine measures until before May 4, when the easing of restrictions is scheduled. The German government has agreed to gradually lift school closures starting May 4, prioritizing secondary schools and graduating classes of elementary schools. Hair salons will also be allowed to operate from that day, while bans on the operation of restaurants, pubs, gyms, and religious gatherings will remain in place.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.