New rules for wearing face masks and the use of coronavirus passes come into effect on Saturday, November 6 Here’s what you need to know”

Face masks
Masks will once again be compulsory in all public buildings where coronavirus passes are not required. This includes:

• Supermarkets and shops
• Libraries
• Government buildings and council offices
• Airports and railway stations
• Colleges and universities when moving between locations

People in contact professions, such as hairdressers, will again have to wear masks, but not sex workers.

Those who do not wear a mask can be fined €95. Masks remain compulsory in taxis and on public transport.

Coronavirus pass
The use of a QR code which shows if you have either been fully vaccinated, recently recovered from coronavirus or had a negative test within 24 hours is being extended to cover.

• All cafes and restaurants, including outdoor terraces
• Casinos
• Museums, amusement parks and other places which ‘people move through’ and do not have seats
• Indoor locations for amateur sports events for the over 18s, but not outdoors
• Sports schools, swimming pools and fitness clubs, including canteens
• Music and painting lessons, choirs and theatre rehearsals

Use of the pass was already compulsory in theatres, concert halls and cinemas. Testing remains free.

Work
The government has strongly recommending people work at least half the week at home rather than at the office and people are also being urged to travel outside rush hour.

Social distancing
Again, the government is strongly recommending people keep 1.5 metres from each other, that people do not shake hands or hug, and that they avoid busy places.

Future measures
The cabinet is preparing rules which might be needed in the future if the infection rate does not come down. These include giving employers the right to ask their staff for a coronavirus check and to expand the use of the coronavirus pass to other places where people meet, such as non-essential shops, zoos and amusement parks.

These measures may also be implemented in specific areas where the vaccination rate is low and the hospital admission rate high, such as Bible belt towns.

The situation will be looked at again next week and there is a new press conference on November 12.

For more information, see government.nl.