Cover-up operation: Czech police have been asking nudists to wear face masks.
CNN  — 

Face masks aren’t mandatory everywhere, but strict rules on wearing them have been enforced in the Czech Republic – even for nudists.

The European country has begun to relax restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus, but at the height of concerns late last month, police were called in to remind people that while it was OK to get naked in designated public places, mouths needed to be covered.

Czech law enforcers issued a warning after officers were called out on March 27 in the small town of Lázně Bohdaneč, east of Prague, because of complaints about maskless naturists basking in warm weather.

“Unfortunately, many of the sunbathing citizens were gathered in large groups, and some were not wearing face masks.,” a police statement said. “Upon the arrival of the police, everyone agreed to respect the government regulation [that face shields are compulsory outside the home]. 

“Citizens are allowed to be without clothes in designated locations, but they still must cover their mouths, and only gather in appropriate numbers.”

The message seems to have been heeded. The statement said a subsequent police patrol found that of 150 people encountered, only half needed reminding about masks.

“We understand that many people do not have a garden and want to get some fresh air in the countryside, but we all have one common desire to respect the government’s guidelines so that the restrictions can be gradually lifted,” the statement said. “That however will not happen until everyone starts to dutifully respect the rules.”

CNN’s Ivana Kottasova contributed to this story