German towns, municipalities urge expansion of mask-wearing nationwide

BERLIN, Sept 27 (KUNA) -- The union of German towns and municipalities called on the federal authorities Sunday to expand the use of masks due to the high increase in coronavirus cases.
The union, in a statement, said federal authorities should make wearing of masks mandatory in public places like museums, markets, and sport, cultural and social events, particularly in areas witnessing 50 infections per 100,000 persons.
The Robert Koch Institute said five persons died of the virus and 1,411 people tested positive in the past 24 hours.
Total deaths reached 9,457 and tally of registered infections topped 284,140, said the institute.
The Institute also warned against allowing fans from attending football matches because of the increase in cases. (end) anj.bs