Denmark was the first country in the European Union to have the mask requirement largely abolished. From Monday, mouth and nose protection must only be worn on public transport. In all other areas the obligation does not apply.

By September 1, 2021 at the latest, the Danish government wants to abolish the masks on public transport. Until then, the rule applies from Monday that mouth and nose protection only has to be worn when leaving the seat in the vehicle.

In Austria there is a controversial discussion within the government about the future of the mask requirement. While the ÖVP government members want to abolish this almost completely by July 1, 2021 at the latest, Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) recently put the brakes on. He said that one could only talk about whether to switch from FFP2 to normal masks. But his government colleagues see it differently, although no final decision has yet been made on this issue.

In Austria there has never been a nationwide obligation that a mask must also be worn outdoors. Only in certain places was this decreed, but repealed. In other countries, including Malta, MNS must also be worn outdoors until July 1, 2021. This no longer applies to beaches and pools.