The Ministry of Health has issued clarifications regarding the compulsory use of masks by certain groups of workers and the non-compulsory sue for the general population, in view of the gradual lifting of restrictions starting on Monday, 4th May.

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry said that the use of a mask is an additional measure and it does not replace the implementation of other protective practices such as social distancing, hands sanitization, cleansing of surfaces, natural ventilation of places of residence and work etc.

For the general population, the use of a single-use mask is recommended (though it is not compulsory) for citizens attending closed spaces frequently attended by large crowds such as super-markets, malls, drugstores, banks, various departments/services of the public and wider public sector that receive public, public transport vehicles etc.

Regarding workers, the Ministry of Health notes that the use of a single-use mask is compulsory for those working in public transport vehicles (e.g. bus drivers)-Interior spaces of private businesses, departments of the public and wider public sector that receive public such as citizens’ bureaus, cashiers at post office, couriers, EAC, CYTA and local administration departments and people working in positions where they interact directly with the public in retail trade businesses.

Indicatively, the ministry is referring to cashiers of supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, municipal markets, retail businesses where they serve the public at food chains such as butchers, fish shops, grocery stores, kiosks, mini markets, shops selling clothes and shoes, cosmetics), etc.

Those making deliveries or working in the constructive business should wear disposable masks when driving in a vehicle with only up to two people inside and when using the elevator.

Regarding the sale of masks, the Ministry of Health said the highest maximum wholesale and retail price of disposable masks (surgical masks) was set by Decree of the Minister of Health, dated April 15, 2020, at € 0.70 per piece (€ 27.37) for 50 pieces.

Any violation of the decree should be immediately reported at the consumers’ hotline at 1429 for measures to be taken. It is further underlined that the proper mask for the general population is the simple surgical mask. Other masks (paper, or with filter, etc) are not part of the recommendations and do not serve the precautionary measures of personal hygiene.

Masks should only be purchased from reputable outlets, to ensure they have the CE compliance mark and to be properly packaged.

The Ministry of Health also reiterates the right way of using the mask which is that the mask covers the part of the face that includes the peak of the nose, the mouth and the chin. Before wearing or removing the mask, hands need to be washed with and soap or alcohol anti-septic solution.

The mask is removed from behind. One should never touch the front part of the mask and after use, and after it is used, the mask should be discarded.

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