Dutch make masks mandatory as new coronavirus cases taper

Dutch make masks mandatory as new coronavirus cases taper
# 01 December 2020 20:16 (UTC +04:00)

A law mandating the use of face masks to slow the spread of coronavirus went into effect in the Netherlands on Tuesday, completing a gradual turnabout in policy, APA reports citing Reuters.

With the country in a “partial lockdown” since Oct. 13, health authorities said new cases had fallen to 33,949 in the week ended Dec. 1, down slightly from 36,931 cases in the week ended Nov. 24.

A requirement that masks be worn in public buildings, including schools, supermarkets and restaurants, will be imposed for an initial three months. Violators can be fined up to 95 euros ($114).

From March through September, the government did not recommend pubic use of cloth masks other than on public transport, following advice from the National Institute for Health (RIVM).

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THE OPERATION IS BEING PERFORMED