Govt not to issue any recommendation on facemask use

The government on Wednesday decided that it will not issue any general recommendation on the use of face masks, said an official press release.

The government, however, considered that masks can be used to protect other people in places and situations where it is not possible to avoid close contact.

The decision was taken in an informal meeting of the government, which also maintained that during the coronavirus epidemic, it is essential to maintain sufficient physical distance and observe good hand and respiratory hygiene to prevent infections.

Such situations may be encountered, for example, in public transport during rush hour, where distances cannot be observed and where people stay for longer periods of time.

When using a face mask, it is important to remember that it does not replace the primary preventive measures such as avoiding close contact with others, washing one’s hands according to the guidelines and practising good hygiene when coughing and sneezing.

Face masks do not protect from virus infections, but they may prevent people carrying the virus from infecting others, the meeting observed, adding that proper use of a face mask requires proper technique of putting on and taking off the mask. This should be done with clean hands and the mask should be changed sufficiently often.

The meeting also said that if the mask is not used correctly, it may even increase the risk of coronavirus infection.

In the event of a change in the epidemiological situation, the government will reassess the need for a recommendation on the use of face masks.