Face masks will become compulsory in some parts of the Romanian capital, Bucharest, after a spike on Covid-19 cases, authorities said Monday.
The Municipal Committee for Emergency Situations decided that face coverings will be mandatory in pedestrian areas of the Old Town, a tourist hotspot of tatty streets full of bars, clubs and restaurants where people mingle at close quarters especially in the evening.
Bucharest residents will also have also to mask up at farmers’ markets, bus stops and train stations in the capital, the spokeswoman for the prefect’s office Mariana Stancu-Ţipişcă told Agerpres national news agency Monday.
Bucharest has reported more than 6,200 cases since the pandemic began, far more than any other city or county. It confirmed 120 new cases on Monday. For the past week, it has registered more than 100 new infections most days.
Romania reported 823 cases on Monday, the first time in 13 days when daily Covid-19 cases have dipped below 1,000.
“A decision has been made to make masks compulsory throughout the day in the Old Town in the pedestrian area,” Stancu-Tipisca said. “Masks are also obligatory in markets, fairs and exhibitions. They also have to be worn at public transport stops and railway stations and taxi ranks,” she said.
Event organizers are obliged to provide masks for participants, she said.
It has been mandatory to wear masks in indoor public places such as public transport and shops across Romania since mid-May.
Romania has seen a surge in cases in the past months as lockdown restrictions have been eased.
