Medical personnel leader advocates for rescinding mask mandate
In Berlin, Germany, mask requirements in public spaces have largely been eased but remain situationally enforced, particularly indoors and in some crowded or high-risk areas [1][2][5]. This relaxation of mask mandates reflects progress in vaccinations and a lower COVID-19 burden across the country, including Berlin.
Andreas Gassen, chairman of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), has been a prominent figure in the discussion on mask policy. While specific recent statements in August 2025 are not directly cited, his previous views have emphasized a balance between protective measures and social and economic factors [1].
German federal and state governments use hospitalization incidence as a key metric to trigger or lift restrictions, including mask rules [1]. Mask wearing remains more widely practiced or recommended indoors, especially in healthcare, public transport, and crowded places, while outdoor requirements have mainly become advisory [1][2].
The general approach reflects a transition toward managing COVID-19 as endemic, with more flexible, risk-adjusted protective measures rather than universal mandates [3][5].
During the "Bild" show "The Right Questions," Gassen expressed his views on the potential abolition of mask requirements. He believes that vaccinated individuals, and ultimately everyone, should have the choice to wear masks or not. However, he attributes the continued mask requirement to a lack of political courage to entrust this to the personal responsibility of citizens [4].
It is important to note that Gassen did not specify a timeline for the potential removal of the mask requirement. Additionally, his comments do not indicate any changes to the mask requirement at the current time or for unvaccinated individuals.
Gassen shared his email address during the show for public inquiry, inviting further discussion on this topic. His pragmatic approaches, advocating for targeted mask use rather than blanket mandates, reflect the improved vaccination coverage and shifting pandemic context.
Other health-and-wellness practices, such as mental-health therapies-and-treatments, could potentially see increased focus in Berlin, Germany, as the COVID-19 burden lessens and the city moves towards managing the virus as endemic. Andreas Gassen, a prominent figure in health policy discussions, suggests that personal responsibility should be emphasized, which might lead to a reduction in universal mask mandates and a focus on targeted use instead.
