Rio de Janeiro’s sculptures are now wearing masks to draw attention to a degree by Rio mayor Marcelo Crivella, who has made the use of protective masks mandatory throughout the city.

For the next 10 days, more than 40 monuments will be wearing masks made of a fabric-like material.

Each of them will receive a plaque with the following inscription: “If you’re outside, you have to wear a mask.”

The city will also distribute a million masks made of cellulose, biodegradable material in various neighbourhoods.

The sculptures of Brazilian personalities are in many Rio de Janeiro’s postcard neighbourhoods.

Among them are the busts of resistance leader Zumbi dos Palmares and religious figure Padre Miguel, as well and the statues of soccer legend Bellini, and musician Cartola.