Municipal guards remind people to cover their noses and mouths

We are about to face the fourth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. Unfortunately, despite numerous appeals and information spots, the obligation to have their noses and mouths covered is neglected by many residents. Starting today, municipal guards will be carrying out random inspections in places to which the obligation to cover the mouth and nose applies.

The obligation to cover one’s nose and mouth ‒ generally outside one’s place of residence ‒ which was introduced by way of a regulation, continues to apply. While the initial regulation application period was regarded as satisfactory by security personnel, it has become apparent in the past few weeks that it is no longer followed so strictly.

In the best interest of the health (and life) of our residents, the Szczecin Municipal Guards would like to note that:

The obligation to have one’s mouth and nose covered continues to apply. The face must be covered with a medical mask or a fabric mask. It is no longer possible to use alternative covers such as parts of clothing, e.g. kerchiefs or scarves, or other clothing items.

The obligation in question now applies to staying in indoor public spaces outside one’s place of residence, and must be followed not only by adults but also by children over the age of four. Unfortunately, as recent checks have shown, parents forget to protect their children.

Repeated inspections carried out in public transport have shown that children and young people commuting to schools by bus or tram (after stationary education was restored) have been completely ignoring the regulation in force.

We are, therefore, urging parents to provide their children with appropriate personal protective equipment, including masks, so that this long-awaited return to schools and peer contacts would not be compromised by the growing number of viral infections responsible for the COVID-19 epidemic.

“As of today, the guards have already issued a dozen or so instructions to people who did not have their noses and mouths covered while staying in public places, including in public transport or shopping centres”, said Senior Inspector Joanna Wojtach, Spokesperson of the Szczecin Municipal Guards. “Further inspections may result in fines. We would also like to remind you to wear the mask properly. Putting a mask on your chin or forehead, or holding it in your hand, can result in a fine of up to PLN 500, or even in an case being brought to court which can impose a fine of up to PLN 5000.

Let us be responsible for ourselves, our loved ones and people we may expose to the virus. Please also note that vaccinated people are not exempt from the obligation to wear masks in indoor public spaces!