Mask rules tightened in Europe during winter Covid-19 wave

A man and woman wearing FFP2 masks to curb the spread of Covid-19 are seen in front of a mural depicting Santa Claus, in Madrid, Spain (AP)

Italy, Spain and other European countries are re-instating or stiffening mask mandates as their hospitals struggle with mounting numbers of Covid-19 patients.

Other nations, like the Netherlands, are considering introducing masking rules.