The Helsinki Transport Agency (HSL) announced on Thursday that it will make the use of face masks mandatory for passengers in its transport services due to the epidemic situation in the area.
From Saturday 13 March, passengers will be required to wear face masks on their buses, trams, trains and ferries. However, HSL noted that people who are unable to wear face masks for medical reasons would be exempted from the rule.
The authority issued the announcement on Thursday, but said it would provide more information on the instructions on Friday. It announced that camouflage obligations would be added to its instructions for carriage.
HSL has recommended the use of the mask last August.
HSL’s mask announcement came a day after VR of the State Railways had released a similar one. This requirement applies to all VR’s long-distance and some commuter trains (D, G, M, R, T and Z) operating between Helsinki, Lahti and Tampere.
VR announced that it will start wearing masks from passengers on Thursday, March 11th.
VR also made an exception to the rules for people with an illness that prevents their use.