Dutch say face masks can go as COVID-19 cases drop

Face masks will no longer be required in the Netherlands as of June 26 as long as people respect social distancing rules, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.

As COVID-19 vaccinations have gathered pace, coronavirus infections in the Netherlands have dropped to their lowest level in nine months, allowing the government to further ease lockdown measures, Rutte said.

Photo: Dutch Queen Maxima wears a face mask during the opening of the renovated Museum of the Spirit in Haarlem, The Netherlands. EPA-EFE/KOEN VAN WEEL / POOL