Introduction of New Mandates as Coronavirus Worsens in European Countries

As many European countries begin to face the new transmissible variants of the coronavirus, they urge civilians to wear medical-grade masks. Making these medical-grade face masks mandatory during these spiking months will hopefully reduce transmission. These European countries hope that this new guideline will help slow the spread of this deadly virus. Senior Lizzie Kennedy stated, “As more variants come in to play, more guidelines will be enforced.” These new guidelines should urge citizens to take this virus more seriously. 

The French Government how now mandated that their citizens begin to wear single-use surgical FFP1 masks. They are urging their citizens to wear more protective FFP2 filtering facepiece respirators or fabric masks that meet “Category 1” specifications. These masks have been scientifically proven to block more that 90% of particles in all public places. Senior Allison Brown stated that, “Homemade masks are now seen to be insignificant. They do not cut it anymore, especially not with the new variants these European countries are beginning to get effected by.”

The German Government released a mandate on Tuesday that requires all people to wear either FFP1 or FFP2 masks while on public transport, in workplaces and in shops. This mandate was enforced after the German state of Bavaria enforced their citizens to wear N95 respirators, which filter approximately 95% of air particles. Bavaria mandated their citizens to wear their N95’s in both stores and on public transport. Senior Maya Salzman also added that, “Everyone should wear masks to protect those around them.” Masks are a barrier to aid your respiratory droplets from reaching others. As Coronavirus continues to worsen in the United States, we should expect to see these guidelines reach us sooner than later.