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When I was in Germany at the end of this September, there were certainly plenty of signs saying masks were mandatory on public transport. Compliance with said signs, however, was well south of 50%.

I ride the subway almost every day and that's not been my experience. I guess it varies by region.

To be fair, Germans are famously paranoid about health. Are you keeping your kidneys covered so you don’t catch a cold?

I know plenty of people who bundle up warm against the cold but refuse to wear a mask to prevent the cold. Convenience over effectiveness.

Germans are famously paranoid about health?

Yes, Germany is one of those few outliers in the 27 EU countries / Europe 44.

Land mass or self-perceived importance from within notwithstanding.

The result of Germany’s remarkable interventions is remarkable in its mediocrity.