German firms turn to making masks as demand grows amid coronavirus pandemic

As the demand for face masks grows with the gradual reopening of shops and businesses in Germany, so does their production.

An increasing number of German states also plans to make wearing masks compulsory in shops, on public transport, or both.

Not only large German companies but also many of the smaller companies, mainly tailor and fashion shops, have turned to produce fabric masks to be used in everyday life.

Mandy Geddert owns a small shop for sustainable kids' fashion in Berlin and has started to produce washable face masks made of organic fabric when clients began asking for it as early as February.

Once she offered various designs both suitable for adults as well as children online, the demand went up rapidly.

Her shop is supplying private households, nursing services, medical staff, physiotherapists, midwives as well as traders.

"At the moment, it is indeed our core business, and I assume that we will actually continue to produce masks for a while", Geddert explains, adding that customers are currently hesitant to spend on things they do not urgently need.

Geddert expects to sell more masks than clothing for children in the coming weeks.

"We actually increasingly notice more orders from individual German states which are now following up with compulsory mask rules", Geddert said.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.