Wearing protective face gear outdoors has become mandatory in North Macedonia after Parliament adopted late on Wednesday amendments to the Law on Protection of the Population from Communicable Disease, Health Minister Venko Filipche said in a press release Thursday.
Citizens, the press release read, are now required to wear protective face gear such as a respiratory mask, surgical mask for single use, textile mask for single use, textile mask for multiple use, silk scarf, cotton scarf, bandana, etc. when going outside the home, i.e. when moving in public places and open and closed areas, green markets, public transport, state institutions, markets, shops, banks, posts, health institutions etc.
Protective equipment is not mandatory for citizens taking part in sporting activities, staying in a yard of a family house, travelling in a motor vehicle alone or with persons they live with and when frequenting a catering facility.
Moreover, the measure doesn’t apply to children under the age of six and persons with disabilities.
All citizens caught violating the mandatory face masks measure will be fined EUR 20.
Wearing face masks, practicing social distancing and frequent hand washing are the best way to stop the spread of the virus, the Health Minister Filipche said, calling on citizens to be responsible and protect public health.
