Japan
Face masks are part of the culture in Japan. People had already been wearing them regularly for lots of reasons: to mitigate allergies caused by traffic, to prevent common cold germs from spreading. Face masks can help them keep faces warm in winter, or for more cosmetic reasons.
The existing prevalence of Japan’s mask use set the nation on a good trajectory for effectively battling the coronavirus from the outset. And thus far, Japan has been extremely successful at keeping case numbers down.
South Korea
South Korea garnered early international praise for containing the coronavirus, mostly by way of ubiquitous mask use. Mask-wearing in South Korea was already common, giving the country a leg up in the fight against the virus. Cases have, for the most part, stayed extremely low.
But the country now faces a hurdle. Temperatures are rising, and mask wearing is growing increasingly uncomfortable. As Koreans began to defy mask orders, cases started to rise. Asian clothing makers are now working on creating more breathable face masks for use in hot weather.
New Zealand
New Zealand took aggressive action against the coronavirus very early on to the point. In June, the country had successfully “eliminated” the virus. Because of the country’s early success, New Zealand never needed to implement face masks requirement.
Canada
Policy-wise, the Canadians have largely approached handling the coronavirus in the same way the United States has: Masks are not legally required at the national level but are strongly recommended.
Face masks are still largely not legally required at the city or province level across the country either, but there are exceptions. Transport Canada requires masks of passengers and drivers. Two municipalities currently have mandatory mask laws. The latter may fine $500 to those who do not follow the law.
Argentina
On April 14, Argentina mandated required use of homemade masks for all who are out in certain areas of the country.
Germany
Germany is one of the world’s biggest success stories in its handling of the coronavirus outbreak. One big reason may be that Germany implemented a nationwide mask order for those in stores and on public transit on April 27. Plus, the locals have reportedly been understanding of the importance of face masks. German media has reported that people largely accept the requirement.
United Kingdom
England and Scotland have both mandated the use of face masks on public transit. Scotland will soon also make masks use compulsory in stores.
Italy
Italy, which was declared a virus hotspot early on in the pandemic, has fared better in more recent months. Face masks use requirements are still just as strict. Across the country, Italians must wear masks any time they are in an enclosed space, including in restaurants, stores, public transit and anywhere else.
Russia
Wearing face masks on public transit has been mandatory in Russia since mid-May.
Brazil
Brazilian cities and states have required face masks in most public spaces since April. In May, in some regions, like Brasilia, fines were implemented. Currently, Brazil has recorded the second-most fatalities from the coronavirus in the world (after the U.S.).
