Face masks on!

TDT | Manama

People in Bahrain must wear a face mask or an appropriate face-covering whenever they are out in public, starting from tonight. This has been ordered by the Government Executive Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, as part of a number of new measures that are to come into effect this evening to help curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Kingdom.

“All citizens and residents are required to wear face masks whilst in public,” it was stated on a list of the measures released as part of the Public Awareness Campaign to Combat Coronavirus.

The campaign stresses that wearing a face mask or face-covering in public not only protects one’s self but also the community as a whole. In light of this decision, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism announced yesterday that it has distributed more than one million face masks at supermarkets and pharmacies across the Kingdom.

The ministry said that the supply of masks will help in the implementation of the government’s orders for people to protect themselves from possible COVID-19 infection.

Home-made masks are also allowed to be used, but they must meet the standards outlined on the Ministry of Health’s website. Among the most basic requirements, face coverings made at home with cloth must fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.

They must be secured with ties or ear-loops, and must include multiple layers of fabric. These home-made coverings must also allow for breathing without restriction.

Meanwhile, the Ministry also reiterated yesterday that it remains prohibited to export all kinds of protective face masks without their prior permission. This ban is being applied for a period of three months from the date of implementation of the decision.

This regulation will be strictly enforced, and violators will be severely punished. Penalties are also to be handed out to those who manipulate prices on essential goods that help prevent infection, such as face masks and hand-sanitisers.

It has been stressed by officials that wearing face masks in public will help greatly in curbing the spread of COVID-19. This, along with social distancing guidelines and taking care of one’s personal hygiene, all help reduce the spread of COVID-19.