Dutch law making mask use a must comes into effect

Amsterdam: A law mandating the use of face masks went into effect in the Netherlands on Tuesday. With the country in a “partial lockdown” since October 13, authorities are expected to release weekly figures on Tuesday that will show new Covid infections are about flat from the 36,931 cases reported for the week ended November 24. A requirement that masks be worn in public buildings will be imposed for an initial three months. Violators can be fined up to ₹95 (about Rs 8,391).

The government had not recommend pubic use of cloth masks other than on public transport from March through September. It changed tack on September 30.