Czech government makes face masks mandatory at outdoor locations as of Wednesday

Amid a consistent rise in the daily number of COVID-19 cases, the Czech Republic will make the requirement to wear a face mask mandatory in outdoor locations where people are less than two meters apart as of Wednesday, October 21.

Czech Health Minister Roman Prymula announced the new measure at a press conference following a government meeting this evening.

"Face masks will be introduced in the outdoor environment," Prymula stated.

In addition to outdoor locations, face masks will also be mandatory for drivers and passengers in cars.

Two exceptions apply: for families traveling together, and for athletes while participating in sport activities. Masks are also not required in remote areas outside of cities, towns, and villages.

"Face masks outside built-up areas are also not required," Prymula added.

The new measure brings the Czech Republic closer to the restrictions that were in place during the spring. The face mask requirement was among those credited for keeping the spread of COVID-19 under control in the country at that time.

"We do not yet have any data that would indicate the [previously introduced] measures are not effective, but there is a relatively high percentage of positive tests. We want to ensure that the curve is flattened, these are additional measures," Prymula stated explaining the new requirements.

"The colder the weather, the more important the face mask wearing outdoors is," he added.

Over the past two weeks, the rate of COVID-19 cases per capita in the Czech Republic is the highest in Europe, and according to CNN, the highest of any major country in the world.

This is a developing story; we will update with more information as it becomes available.