Medical masks now mandatory in Romania

Romania’s government adopted new restrictions on Thursday, as the state of alert was prolonged by another 30 days. The most significant change is that textile and plastic face coverings will no longer be permitted as of 8 January.

The Romanian authorities are making medical or FFP2-grade masks mandatory in all public places as of Saturday. Subsequently, textile or plastic masks will no longer be allowed in either indoor or outdoor spaces.

Moreover, there will be restrictions for shows or sporting events, but restaurants and shops can stay open until 10 pm.

The number of new COVID-19 cases has been on an upward trajectory since the start of the year, and authorities expect the fifth wave of coronavirus infections to explode later this month.

(Bogdan Neagu | EURACTIV.ro)