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Swiss cross-border shoppers fined for not wearing masks in Germany

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Swiss cross-border shoppers fined for not wearing masks in Germany
A police control sign on the German border. Photo: CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP

Swiss cross-border shoppers have fallen foul of compulsory mask requirements when crossing the border to shop in Germany.

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Since June 15th, crossing the Swiss border to go shopping has again been allowed. 

Unlike in Switzerland, where masks are merely recommended, masks are required in supermarkets and retail stores - along with public transport - in all German states. 

With thousands of Swiss again crossing the border to shop, German authorities have increased patrols and handing out more fines to make sure everyone is complying with the mask requirement, regardless of where they live. 

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As reported in the Südkurier, authorities in southern Germany have complained about Swiss shoppers’ refusal to wear masks. 

EXPLAINED: What are the rules for wearing masks in Switzerland?

Mayor Thomas Schaüble wrote to retailers in several municipalities in the Waldshut region to encourage them to enforce compliance.

The mayor said Swiss shoppers were causing a “more and more heated mood” by refusing to wear masks. 

Many border regions in Germany, France and Italy are heavily reliant on Swiss customers and have taken a hit during the border closures as a result of the pandemic. 

People wearing masks in a German supermarket. Photo: MICHAEL SOHN / POOL / AFP

 

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