The crackdown on mask-wearing and hygiene compliance formed part of an awareness campaign to remind the public on the importance of protecting yourself and others in public spaces and on public transport.
Trier’s police officers carried out targeted checks from 9 am to 6 pm on Wednesday.
The operation mainly took place in Trier’s city-centre network and in the wider regional districts.
The main focus of the action was placed on public transport, while inner-city areas and shopping centers, casinos, school grounds and other places where a mask is mandatory, including taxis and shops, were also checked. Passenger ships on the Moselle were checked in collaboration with the waterway police.
Prior to the checks public information sessions were had on ‘how to correctly wear your mask’ but it appears that some people still missed the point.
In total, the officers reported 622 violations. In most cases, the reason for control was that the mouth and nose cover was not worn at all or not worn correctly in mandatory areas.
Findings would suggest, that in the case of transport stops, the majority of the offenders were not aware of any regulations being in place.
Thomas Schmitt, head of the regulatory affairs department, was satisfied with the initial results of the controls, but in view of the increasing number of cases, he urged greater caution in Trier: “Generally speaking, Trier’s population is adhering to the agreed rules very well. But we must not be negligent in order to keep the spread of the pandemic under control.”
Since Tuesday, the city of Trier has been classified as yellow in the “Corona Warning and Action Plan RLP” due to the increased 7-day incidence.
This does not yet require any stricter measures to be taken, but increased attention must be paid. Schmitt says: “Many of the most recent cases result from private celebrations and infection in the family environment. We therefore ask you to adhere to the rules and restrictions and ensure you are particularly careful.”
