When do I need to wear a face mask?

Wear a face mask after self-isolating

Additional advice applies to anyone aged 13 and over who is allowed to stop self-isolating after having coronavirus. In this case, you are advised to wear a medical face mask in all indoor public spaces, on public transport, in education settings and in outdoor spaces where staying 1.5 metres apart is not possible.

Do this for 10 days after the day on which you developed symptoms or tested positive.

Follow the basic recommendations

After nearly 2 years’ experience dealing with coronavirus, we have learned how difficult it is to cope with the measures that restrict us in our daily lives. And with the relaxation of the measures. So we need to stay vigilant and help each other so that we avoid infecting others. The virus is still among us. So it is advisable for everyone to keep following the recommendations that have proven effective in limiting the spread of the virus:

• washing your hands
• coughing and sneezing into your elbow
• not shaking hands
• keeping your distance
• ventilating indoor spaces
• self-testing regularly
• getting tested when you have symptoms
• getting vaccinated and getting a booster shot.

Indoor spaces: building manager decides

In some cases, building managers can decide that you must wear a face mask in their building, even if face masks are not required there by law. They can include this in their house rules. Protocols have been drawn up in some sectors, including for:

• healthcare locations, such as hospitals, GPs and dentists;
• community centres, churches and mosques; and
• test centres and vaccination centres run by the municipal health service (GGD).

Why face masks are advised

To ensure that vulnerable people are able to travel safely, everyone is still advised to wear a face mask in public transport settings. The Omicron variant is highly contagious. Wearing a medical face mask helps protect you and the people around you. If others wear a face mask, they are also protecting you.

Fines

If you do not wear a face mask in a place where you must wear one, you may be fined.

Mandatory from age 13

Children also play a role in the transmission of coronavirus. That is why the statutory requirement to wear a face mask also applies to teenagers from the age of 13.

Face masks are not suitable for children under 3.

Face masks not harmful

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that face masks are not harmful. They do not cause a lack of oxygen or carbon dioxide poisoning. Oxygen and carbon dioxide can simply pass through the face mask.

Wearing a mask may sometimes be a little uncomfortable, so you should wear one that fits you well.

Suitable face masks

The government advises against wearing fabric masks and homemade masks. Instead you should use medical face masks, preferably type II or IIR. If you are in an at-risk group you are advised to wear an IIR or FFP2 mask. It is important that you wear your face mask correctly. It should always cover your nose, mouth and chin. 

Exemption for people with a disability or health condition

People who have a disability or health condition (visible or otherwise) that makes them unable to wear or put on a face mask are exempted from the statutory requirement to wear a face mask (information in Dutch).