Why and where to wear face masks in Amsterdam in September 2020

In the Netherlands since the 1st of June you are required by law to always wear a face mask on public transport; everyone older than 13 is required to cover their mouth and nose with a non-medical mouth mask while travelling on buses, trams, trains, planes, taxis and coaches.

The purpose of such rules is to limit the spread of Coronavirus and leave at the same time the available medical face masks for medical staff.

As per Wednesday the 5th of August, following a drastic and rapid increase in the COVID-19 cases in Amsterdam, everyone who is 13 or older will have to wear a face mask in certain areas in the city.

In Amsterdam and in the rest of The Netherlands you can find many shops that sell face masks, but where exactly do you have to wear them?

Where do you need to wear a face mask in Amsterdam?

Schiphol Airport

Inside Schiphol Airport the use of a face mask is compulsory at the check in desks, at security and during boarding. All passengers and flying crew are required to wear a face mask during the whole flight.

Before and after the security you can find many shops selling non-medical mouth masks, but we suggest bringing along a previously purchased one to Schiphol- ideally you should have one or more reusable washable face masks with you.

Although it is not mandatory to wear face masks in the shops and in the public areas of the airport, Schiphol has asked travelers to use a face mask everywhere from the moment they arrive until their departure. This is not yet a mandatory requirement, but the airport has “asked the cabinet to introduce the general obligation” said a spokesperson for Schiphol.

Schiphol has implemented several extra corona measures, such as using separation screens and a broadcast message that reminds travelers to always keep the minimum social distance.

In August, a special test area was also set in Schiphol, so that people coming from a code orange or red area can be voluntarily tested straight away.

Regulations about the use of masks are currently different throughout the EU: before you travel to your destination, make sure you are informed of where you are required to wear a face mask.

Amsterdam City Centre

In the shops and streets of the city centre you are not compelled to use a face mask, but you are required to have one when you use public transport. This means that if you get on a bus, train or tram without wearing a face mask you risk a 95 euros fine. In Amsterdam you are not required to wear a face mask at the bus stop or in the station. However, it is very important that you avoid crowded streets and shops and make sure you always keep the minimum social distance (1,5 m) between you and others.

Amsterdam Station

It is not mandatory to wear a face mask inside the station or on the platforms, but if you step on a train without a mouth mask you risk to get a fine (95 euros). Also, you have to wear a face mask on all piers and boats leaving from Amsterdam Central Station.

Parks and museums in Amsterdam: is a mouth mask needed?

Many people still wonder: shall I wear a face mask if I go to the Westerpark or the Vondelpark in Amsterdam? And what about wearing face masks in museums?

At the moment, as per the 1st of June, mouth masks are mandatory in the Netherlands only on public transport. You don’t need to wear a face mask in the open air, so if you feel like having a pic-nic or a BBQ in one of Amsterdam’s parks you don’t need to worry. Visitors without a face mask are also welcome in museums and exhibitions.

It is of course extremely important that you follow the Rijksoverheid’s advice: always keep the minimum social distance from others (1,5 m), wash your hands frequently, cough and sneeze into your elbow and try to avoid very crowded areas.

Originally published at https://mondkatjes.com.