Amsterdam insists on mask wearing as coronavirus cases surge

Amsterdam has succumbed to the use of face mask as it ordered citizens to wear mask especially in crowded places as the cases of coronavirus hike.

Sebastiaan Meijer, Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema’s said on Wednesday August 5, 2020, that the order was given to experiment effectiveness of face masks against the virus as some scientific studies have shown.

“We do think it can have an immediate effect. We want people to wear masks and be aware of the pandemic, so we do think it’s going to help stop the virus from spreading,” said Meijer.

The Netherlands had in the first place been reluctant to enforce use of face mask as the county believed mask effectiveness against Covid-19 remained unproven and that its uses could relax people’s adherence to social distancing rule.

Recently, the nation has however introduced other measures to contain spread of the virus.

It has recently shut down bars and strip clubs following higher number of cases recorded among staff and customers.

To ensure proper dissemination of information regarding mask wearing, leaflets detailing a fine of $112 for failure to wear mask in public places were distributed to residents and tourists alike on Wednesday by social workers.

As new rise in the Covid-19 cases become a national concern, Mark Rutte, the Netherlands Prime
Minister, is scheduled to address the nation on Thursday on the surge in infections.

The Netherlands has witnessed a surge in Covid-19 infections following ease of lockdown early of July.

As of Wednesday, August 5, 2020, the Dutch nation has recorded about 56,381 infection cases and 6,153. There has not been any recovery so far in the country.