Stricter pandemic rules came into force in Romania on Saturday amid surging coronavirus cases, including a requirement to wear surgical or FFP2 masks at both indoor and outdoor public spaces.
The decision made by the National Council for Emergency Situations (CNSU) this week makes textile masks illegal in the Eastern European nation. Hefty fines of up to €500 ($567) have been introduced for those caught wearing the banned face coverings.
Wearing surgical or FFP2 masks is now mandatory for all Romanian residents older than five at both indoor and outdoor public spaces.
The CNSU also said that bars and restaurants could operate at 50% or 30% capacity depending on the infection rate in their area, but may only admit guests with Covid-19 passes. The same rules apply to sporting venues, gyms and cinemas.