When asked about the possible extension of mandatory mask wearing in public, around 61% of RTL readers have been in favour of it, 1,608 in people in total.
925 people considered the measure too extreme, while 79 people refrained from taking a position on the matter.
Surprising? Probably not, considering the current developments all across Europe, with many cities making masks mandatory in the streets. Several communities in France and Belgium have followed the example.
Luxembourg has experienced a second wave of infections unfolding over the past weeks and reinforced its fight against the virus. Some readers have noted that people begin to be less attentive to safety distances and health regulations, which is why a wake-up call could be necessary to remind people that the pandemic is not yet over.
It appears that masks have a reassuring affect on many readers, who would feel more at ease if everybody would wear a mask at all times to protect themselves as well as others in an act of civil solidarity.On the other hand, many readers have voiced concerns about the introduction of reinforced security measures. Especially during the summer months, masks can have stifling effects and provoke headaches. Some readers have noted that they would therefore already avoid shops and stores, and would prefer if they did not have to avoid the open air as well.
Some people are beginning to feel violated in their personal liberties by the reinforced measures, being annoyed by every single step the administration takes and showing less effort in following order. Others argue that safety distances out in the open would suffice as a safety measure.
It becomes apparent that public opinion on the issue remains divided. While some argue that masks only make sense in situations where safety distances cannot be assured, others believe that they do not represent a major inconvenience, while again others claim to develop physical discomfort when wearing them for prolonged periods.
