Use of masks by the general public is recommended but not compulsory, the Health Ministry has clarified.
However, employees working in transport and businesses and departments that come into contact with the public must wear masks.
In an official announcement, the Health Ministry said that within the framework of personal protection and public health measures, the use of masks complements and does not replace other measures such as social distancing, hand washing, cleaning of surfaces and ventilation of living and work areas.
The use of masks by the general population is recommended but is not compulsory in heavily frequented and indoor areas such as supermarkets, department stores, pharmacies, banks, departments in the wider public sector which serve the public, mass transport etc.
As regards employees, masks are compulsory for those who work in:
- Mass transport (eg bus drivers,
- Interior areas of private companies and public sector departments which serve the public
- People working in positions who directly serve the public in retail trade businesses (eg cashiers, customer service etc)
The Health Ministry will be distributing masks to the above businesses to partly cover their needs.
The ministry has invited bids for nine million surgical masks that will be distributed, in cooperation with OEB, KEVE and POVEK to affected companies in the private sector.
A quantity of masks will also be distributed to departments in the wider public sector who serve the public.
The ministry has also given outlines on the proper use of masks:
- The mask covers the face from the tip of the nose, the mouth and the chin
- Before putting on or removing the mask, wash hands with water and soap or antiseptic
- Remove the mask from the back and do not touch the front
- After use, dispose in a trash can
