In 2017, Austria introduced a ban on face-coverings, including Muslim burkas and niqabs in 2017.

For a long time in Austria masks were said to be not needed, that they do not really protect you, and that people should leave the masks to hospital staff.

Now amid the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, Austrians are now compulsory to wear masks in supermarkets and other food and drug stores.

Source: BBC News

When he announced the move, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz stressed that only basic nose and mouth coverings are necessary. Customers at supermarkets would not be asked to wear medical masks, which are needed for hospital personnel.

On the other hand, World Health Organization (WHO) advises that healthy people only need to wear masks if they are caring for others suspected of being infected or if they themselves are coughing or sneezing.

In Austria’s neighbours, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, wearing of face masks is compulsory once you leave home.

Source: BBC News

In Germany, the eastern city of Jena has decided that people should cover their faces when shopping or on public transport.

Think:

Do you think healthy people don’t need to wear mask?

Should wearing a mask be compulsory?

Do people wear masks often in your countries?

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