Instructions for the use of protective masks
From 31 July, the rule of keeping a 2-metre distance is reinstated. In situations where it is not possible to maintain a two-metre distance, a face covering that covers the mouth and nose must be worn.
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From 31 July, the rule of keeping a 2-metre distance is back in place. In situations where it is not possible to maintain a two-metre distance, a protective face covering must be worn. When it is possible to maintain a two-metre distance between individuals, a protective face covering is not required, and general use of face coverings in public places is not recommended. A face covering is never a substitute for general infection prevention measures, which should always be followed: i.e. hand hygiene, general cleanliness and cleaning of high-touch surfaces. A face covering does not replace the 2-metre rule, for example in shops and public places.
The general rule is to maintain a 2-metre distance. The best way to prevent the spread of infection is to wash your hands thoroughly and to sanitise both your hands and any touchpoints in shared spaces.
Practise the utmost hygiene when using masks.
The purpose of a face shield is to catch droplets from the wearer's respiratory tract, preventing them from spreading into the environment. This means that a used face shield becomes heavily contaminated with microorganisms that are normally present in saliva. Therefore, the utmost hygiene must be observed when using the mask, touching it as little as possible and replacing it when it becomes damp or is damaged in any way. Hands must always be washed or sanitised after contact with used masks. It is preferable to use disposable face masks which should be disposed of in general rubbish after use. Wash or sanitise your hands after touching the mask. It is advisable to limit continuous or cumulative use to a maximum of 4 hours and then dispose of the mask. Reusable cloth masks may also be used, but they must be made of a washable material and should be washed at least daily. The same applies to reusable masks as to disposable ones: they become contaminated on the outside and should therefore be handled as little as possible. Wash or sanitise your hands afterwards.
Protective masks to be used:
- On all scheduled flights, domestic and international.
- On passenger ferries, where it is not possible to maintain a 2-metre distance between individuals. Please note that a face covering is not required if passengers are seated in their own, enclosed vehicle on the ferry.
- In other public transport, if measures are not taken to ensure a 2-metre distance between individuals. It is particularly important to wear a face covering on coach services from the airport after border testing, and on longer journeys by coach, whereas on city transport where journeys are typically under 30 minutes, wearing a face covering is not mandatory. There, it is primarily individuals in at-risk groups who should wear a mask.
- In the provision of services to individuals which requires close contact, such as beauty therapy, massage, physiotherapy, dentistry, ophthalmology and home care.
- In all other circumstances, the rules on gathering limits and a 2-metre distance between individuals apply, and face masks cannot be a substitute for this.
- Children born in 2005 and later are not required to wear masks.
Please note:
- General use of face masks in public is not recommended.
- A wet and dirty mask is of no use and can increase the risk of infection.
- A disposable mask, used more than once, is of no use and can increase the risk of infection.
- A protective mask that does not cover both the nose and mouth is of no use.
- A protective mask worn on the forehead or under the chin is of no use.