Mandatory masks, what you need to know

Published on: 08/10/2020 8:18 AM

The obligation to wear the mask also outdoors has come into force. But there are exceptions, underlines laleggepertutti.it. It is important to understand when the use of the mask is mandatory and when you risk a penalty of 400 to 1,000 euros for violating what the government has imposed in an attempt to curb the coronavirus. Assuming that, regardless of individual situations, the new Dpcm forces citizens to always carry the device with them. Even when you don’t know if you will need to use it.

What if I go with a friend on a motorcycle?

Yes. The mask must be used because the law says that in order not to wear the device you must travel only by motorcycle or bicycle. It does not matter if you are wearing a helmet: it may happen that you have used it or that someone else uses it in the future. Therefore, if you are only friends and not related to each other, you should wear the mask.

If I go by car with friends?

Yes. The mask must be worn because, according to government regulation, it is possible to travel by car without a mask only if there are relatives of the driver on board. Therefore, if you are traveling with your wife, girlfriend or children, you cannot wear a mask. But if there is even a friend sitting in the back seat with you in the car, you should use it.

If I go for a run alone?

No. This is one of the exceptions provided by the new rule: those who practice outdoor sports alone are not required to wear a mask. But as long as you keep a safe distance from other people who go for a run or walk in the park or the city. A set distance of two meters. In any case, remember: you should always carry the mask with you, perhaps in your backpack or pocket, possibly protected in a small bag or in a clean container.

What if I go for a run with a friend?

Yes. Unless, as mentioned above, you always keep a distance of two meters from him, like everyone else.

If I take a dog for a walk?

No. If you go out alone to walk your dog, you do not need to wear a mask, as long as you are in an isolated place. But you will have to take it with you: you should wear it if other people are approaching or if it is not possible to maintain a safe distance.

What if I go for a walk with my 5-year-old?

You, it depends. Your son, no. If you go for a walk with your 5-year-old, you will need to wear a mask in case you are not in an isolated location. So if you go to the city center or an area frequented by other people, you will need to place the device. Your child does not, because the law establishes the obligation of a mask for children older than 6 years.

Do I have a respiratory disease?

It depends. The law says that anyone who suffers from a pathology or disability incompatible with the use of the device is not required to wear a mask. But it also says that such a situation must be certified by a doctor. The advice, therefore, is to carry both the mask and the medical certificate stating that, due to your illness, you should not cover your nose and mouth. Of course, you will need to keep a safe distance from other people.

Am I at the bar with friends?

If you are inside the bar, yes and always: the mask must be worn in any case when you are inside. Whether you are at a coffee table or standing outside, it depends on the distance between you and your friends. If it is less than a meter, you will need to wear the mask. Otherwise, in theory, no. But the advice is to always wear it, except when you have to take a sip, of course.

What if I’m at the outdoor restaurant?

No, but only when you are sitting at the table to eat. Yes, when you have to move between the other tables, maybe to go to the bathroom, pay or call the waiter.

If I sit on a bench in the square?

Yes. The decree establishes the obligation to wear a mask in all outdoor places frequented by people who do not live together, “except in cases in which, due to the characteristics of the places or the factual circumstances, the condition of isolation of people who do not live together “. So, logically, at noon, when there is a continuous coming and going of people, the mask should be used. At one o’clock in the morning, if the square is deserted and a soul does not pass, theoretically the mask is not necessary.

If I receive a fine, can I challenge it?

It depends on why. Surely, you will not be able to challenge it if you have clearly violated the legislation on the obligation to wear a mask “in all places outdoors, when you are near other people who do not live together”, as established by the new decree. And it cannot even be appealed that the new Dpcm has not yet been signed and therefore has not entered into force: the mask restriction is valid anyway, so not wearing it amounts to a fine. However, if you are convinced of his reasons and want to challenge him anyway, you can contact a justice of the peace.