All Austrians will have to wear face masks while shopping, the government announced on Monday, in its latest measure to halt the spread of COVID-19.

Once supermarkets and other outlets receive the masks, expected to be from Wednesday, every shopper will be handed the protective gear when entering stores.

"As of the moment, these masks are handed out in front of supermarkets. It will be compulsory to wear them in supermarkets," Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said, adding the so-called MNS masks are below medical grade.

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Kurz added that in the medium term, wearing masks will become obligatory in situations where people come into close contact. 

"It's not part of our culture, and it will be a big adjustment for us, but it's necessary that we take this step to further reduce transmission," he said.

The news comes after Kurz had fumed at what he suggested were double-standards in the EU's response to the coronavirus crisis after Austria struggled to secure face masks from Germany. Other members of the bloc have criticized Vienna's own border controls with Italy.

"After the crisis is over, there will have to be tough discussions within the EU," Kurz told the Kronen Zeitung newspaper.

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