Wearing of face mask mandatory in shops and other indoor public spaces
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What changes?
Do you work in a building or space where people can enter freely? Wearing of a non-medical face mask in shops, museums, petrol stations, restaurants and theatres is mandatory from 1 December 2020 (pdf, in 8 languages). This applies to everyone 13 years of age and up.
Indoor public spaces
The face mask requirement applies in all public indoor spaces, for instance:
- shops
- museums
- petrol stations
- restaurants
- bars
- theatres
- concert venues
In locations where everyone has a given seat, such as restaurants or theatres, people may remove their face masks while seated if the 1.5 metre rule can be complied with. As soon as a person leaves their seat, for example to go to the toilet, they should put their face mask back on.
Contact-based professions and (health)care workers
In contact-based profession it is not always possible to maintain 1.5 metres distance. That is why clients should wear a face mask at for example the hairdresser, nail stylist or during driving lessons.
Exceptions
In case of illness or impairment one may be exempted from wearing a face mask. Police officers and special enforcement officers (BOAs) may ask to substantiate such claims.
For whom?
- shopkeepers
- owners and operators of museums, petrol stations, restaurants, theatres, concert venues et cetera
When?
Wearing of face masks is mandatory in indoor public spacdes from 1 December 2020.
This measure is expected to be in place for 3 months. After that period the obligation may be extended. As soon as it is no longer necessary for public health reasons, the measure will be lifted.