Countries With Mask Mandates 2022

As the COVID-19 epidemic peaked in 2020-2021, most nations throughout the globe authorized the use of surgical-type masks to restrict its spread.

It has been possible for several nations to loosen their mask regulations as of April 2022 due to the rise of COVID-19 vaccines (as well as the greater availability of therapy).

Mandates are often withdrawn or renewed daily when instances rise or fall in a specific nation or new COVID-19 versions arise, but the situation is still in flux.

China

Omicron variant COVID-19 instances and the accompanying limitations in China began to resurface in early 2022, despite mask requirements and limits being eased in late 2021. The zero-COVID policy is in place in China.

The mandated testing and quarantine facilities have reopened, and many schools and non-essential businesses have temporarily reopened as of April 2022. Masks must be worn at all times while leaving the house.

Japan

Despite the lack of a statewide mask law in Japan, strong public health guidelines encourage people to don one while going out in public.

Compared to other countries, vaccines in Japan have taken longer to be made available to the general people. People have mostly followed the government’s advice, and many private companies now demand customers to wear masks before entering their establishments.

Some epidemics have occurred because masks are not mandated in all regions. When there was an Omicron spike in 2021/2022, various prefectures put limitations on specific establishments, mainly pubs and restaurants. Those regulations have subsequently been abolished.

Germany

While it seemed that Germany had the virus under control at times, mask requirements and limitations strengthened in January 2021. All stores, businesses, and hair salons forced customers to wear masks or face coverings.

People were obliged to use medical-grade masks instead of the previously permissible cloth masks.

People were subject to fines if caught without a mask in public places or on public transit. However, masks were not necessary for outdoor situations when social separation could be achieved. Except for retailers and public transportation, masks will no longer be necessary as of April 2022.

France

Most of France’s COVID-19 limitations will be lifted in March 2022, when its 67+ million residents have been immunized to above 92%. Regarding public transportation and health care institutions, masks were still necessary, but not in restaurants or movie theaters.

Italy

Throughout most of the epidemic in Italy, people were required to wear masks both inside and outside. However, as vaccination rates rose and the government became more confident in its capacity to fight the virus, limitations were progressively removed.

By mid-June 2022, most or all remaining COVID-related restrictions are scheduled to be abolished, including the necessity to wear masks outside in public settings.

However, officials from the government have made it clear that plans are subject to modification in light of new information or occurrences of sickness.

South Korea

Since the beginning of the epidemic, masks have been required in indoor and outdoor public places in South Korea.

The South Korean government, however, declared in April 2022 that it would eliminate all social distancing laws because of current vaccination rates and low viral prevalence. Many experts believe that easing mask regulations is the next stage.

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The government will review outdoor mask regulations after a two-week trial, which puts the decision in early May 2022. However, government officials have underlined that interior mask requirements will remain “unavoidable for a significant time.”