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Level 2 extended, mask compulsory for year-end parties
Health Minister Chen Shih-chung is stressing that people who attend large-scale outdoor celebrations for Christmas or on New Year's Eve will be required to wear face masks.
The statement comes as the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says it is extending the current level 2 coronavirus alert until 13 December.
According to the health minister, people will have to wear face masks at all times except when they are drinking or eating, and they will not be allowed to eat at the events except in designated areas specially set up for dining.
However, show hosts and performers at Christmas or New Year's Eve events will not be required to wear face masks.
Face mask mandates have been gradually relaxed since early October.
But the CECC says the more restrictive face mask mandate is being imposed due to rising concerns over the newly detected omicron coronavirus variant.
