At the turn of the year, various reforms of the traffic light coalition came into force. The situation is a bit calmer in February, but there are changes, especially with the Corona rules. An overview:
End of the mask requirement in long-distance transport
The mask requirement in long-distance traffic will no longer apply from February 2nd. Also in local transport, for which the federal states are responsible, the mask requirement falls until the beginning of February. Several countries have already abolished the obligation. Everyone else is now following suit. The Federal Ministry of Health is promoting the voluntary wearing of a mask for self-protection.
Fewer corona rules in the workplace
The statutory corona rules are also being relaxed in the workplace: a corresponding occupational safety regulation is expected to expire on February 2nd. So far, employers have had to examine home office and test offers for employees as part of a hygiene concept.
End of energy-saving lamps
From February 25, certain energy-saving lamps may no longer be manufactured. The ban applies to ring-shaped fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps with plug-in bases. Retailers can then sell remaining stocks.
New wind power law in force
The onshore wind law comes into force on February 1, with which the traffic light coalition sets legally binding area targets for onshore wind power. By 2027, 1.4 percent and by 2032 2 percent of the federal area should be available for wind turbines. So far, these goals have not been achieved by far in most federal states – the range in the non-city states is between around 2 percent in Schleswig-Holstein and 0.2 percent in Baden-Württemberg.
Beer is getting more expensive
Consumers must reckon with rising beer prices. Several breweries have announced price increases, such as the Bitburger Group on February 1st. Veltins will already increase prices on January 29th. Krombacher plans to take the step on March 1st.
Post strike
It is still unclear how the warning strikes at Deutsche Post will develop. The next collective bargaining negotiations with the Verdi union are scheduled for February 8th and 9th. So there are other possible exceptions.
