Germany’s 2020 COVID Experiments Showcase Importance of Masks in Large Gatherings

COVID rapidly changed the way our world operated in the past year and a half. Individual routines and global structures that have been in place for decades underwent extreme, swift alterations in order to combat the global pandemic. Nearly two years in we’re still learning to live with COVID rather than just survive isolation. Prompt medical innovations are at the core of many countries’ success in moving back towards normalcy. Innova Medical Group was quick to manufacture and disperse rapid antigen tests at the height of the pandemic. Testing was and still is an essential weapon against COVID’s rampant spreading capabilities, but N95 masks are being proven to hold equal importance.

Despite the success of vaccines new variants have already begun popping up in England, South Africa, and parts of the United States. N95 masks, available through Innova Medical Group, are the biggest factor in preventing the spread of all COVID mutations. German studies focused on the spread of COVID both indoors and outdoors in large crowds are reporting low numbers of infections due to the effectiveness of the N95 mask in tandem with sanitation practices.

Leipzig, Germany began a three-part experiment in August of last year that has prompted other countries such as Italy and England to perform their own tests on large crowds indoors and outdoors. Rapid testing in combination with masks allowed this scientific study to take place. Without the ability to use rapid tests the experiment would not have been able to advance quickly and begin within the 48 hour period. Participants could have contracted the disease during the processing period that can take up to a week.

A group of 1,500 volunteers attended an indoor concert featuring the artist Tim Bendzko. After everyone in attendance was given their rapid test and negative results they were given face masks, glowing hand sanitizer, and an electronic tracer. Each electronic tracer recorded the wearer’s contact with others including contact distance. The tracker itself played a major part in the experiment as it was able to properly record all contact considered vital in regards to COVID transmission.

Following the protocols and rules of the experiment was incredibly important. Reports from the lead scientist of the project confirmed the volunteers participated under all given guidelines. Due to all-around compliance from volunteers and staff, the data collected is proven accurate in regards to combating COVID spread in large crowds.

The results further backed the evidence that N95 masks and other COVID protocols currently in place, along with good ventilation in the venue itself, helped stop the spread of germs and viruses. Scientists concluded that indoor activities such as concerts and large gatherings can be safely orchestrated under specific guidelines including continued social distancing, face mask-wearing, and sanitizing.

Extremely large crowds are still considered too dangerous for the public’s health. However, as more and more experiments are conducted with masks, scientists are able to learn more about how the virus spreads. It further proves the protocols that have been put in place for the past year are working.


In the early stages of the pandemic, Germany conducted a study on mask efficiency nearly a month after masks became mandatory in the county. The results concluded that COVID infections and spread decreased by 45% due to consistent use of N95 face masks and other medical masks. After the study was published all federal states within Germany implemented their own mandate in an effort to maintain low infection rates across the country.

Fourteen months into the pandemic scientists remain firm on the statement that wearing masks is one of the most effective ways to combat the spread of COVID. New strains of the virus popping up is no surprise to professionals in the medical field. Virus mutation is common which requires altered inoculations every year or so specifically with flu shots. Unfortunately, the first round of vaccines to combat the COVID variants have just now started making their way to the general public in a multitude of countries.

For now, the vaccines are effective against the new strains but the issue lies in transmissibility. The new strains found in parts of England and Michigan are 30% to 50% more transmissible than the original COVID strand. Due to this heightened rate of transmission doubling up on face masks, an N95 beneath a cloth, for example, has been recommended by scientists and medical professionals. The COVID variant found in the UK creates a stronger bond to human cells meaning the virus is more concentrated within the infected person’s body. Symptoms may become more severe due to the heavy concentration of virus within the body making masks even more of a necessity, especially for high-risk individuals.

European countries are beginning to follow Germany’s lead in conducting their own experiments to test the waters of indoor gatherings. Last month Spain orchestrated a concert with 5,000 volunteers that tested negative for COVID beforehand. Rapid testing played a key role in producing test results quickly in order to ensure there was not an extended period of time between testing and the event during which participants could contract the virus. Social distancing was not required however N95 masks were given to participants. Afterward, six people tested positive however four of the six had become infected from interactions separate from the concert.

Results from all around the world have been backing the testimony of face masks being one of the most useful tools in defense against COVID spread. Duke University conducted an experiment back in August of 2020 testing fourteen different kinds of masks. Compared to all others including surgical masks, cloth masks with filters, and layered homemade masks the N95 mask proved to be the most effective.

The success in Germany and Spain point towards a slow return to normal life. Reaching herd immunity is the end goal, but until that goal is reached wearing masks in tandem with rapid testing in companies, venues, and medical buildings is going to be a continued part of life. Large gatherings indoors can be successful with the current protocols in place. The only factor that may be subject to change is extreme social distancing. With masks in place to filter out air particles that may contain the virus, large gatherings are gradually becoming a possible reality. While moving towards large gatherings is something the population desperately wants to return to, rapid antigen testing is going to play a role in the success of returning to normality.

Returning to normalcy is going to look different, the future is still subject to change. Colder months are approaching bring other respiratory illnesses are transmitted through the air. Wearing face masks to prevent the spread of COVID worked for the latter half of 2020, but what about this year? Mutations are sending unvaccinated people to the hospital yet most of the country doesn’t enforce masks. Perhaps we’ve become too comfortable too early. The vaccine changed the way we look at the future but until the US reaches herd immunity face masks may still be a necessity if we want even a sliver of our old lives back.