Education Minister Holter and Lord Mayor Nitzsche discuss compulsory masks

Thuringia's Minister of Education, Helmut Holter, and the Mayor of the City of Jena, Thomas Nitzsche, held a telephone conversation on Wednesday, 29.04.2020, to discuss the mask requirement at Jena schools and agreed to find a joint solution that addresses Jena's concerns about infection protection during lessons and at the same time does not jeopardize a uniform regulation for Thuringia by opening up to comparably effective other hygiene measures as an alternative to the mask requirement.

Education Minister Helmut Holter commented:

'It was important to me to once again seek a direct exchange with the city of Jena and to understand why there has been a partially different interpretation of the Robert Koch Institute's recommendations in Jena. Together with the school authorities, we are responsible for ensuring safe and practicable health protection in schools. I am sure that we can agree a way forward with Jena that leads to the greatest possible safety without children having to wear masks in class. If additional specifications are required in our hygiene plan for Jena schools, then we will of course not refuse to comply.

Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche said:

I am pleased about the direct conversation. Together with the Ministry, we are working on a way that is feasible for schools and at the same time ensures that classrooms do not become a transmission route for the virus through the spread of aerosols. Mouth and nose coverings could significantly reduce this risk. If there are less invasive but comparably effective measures as part of strict hygiene plans, then these may be able to replace the wearing of masks.