UAE says medical masks are only necessary for people with chronic illness, flu symptoms

Short Url
  • The recommendation follows WHO guidelines for COVID-19
  • People should stick to social distancing techniques

DUBAI: People wearing clinical face masks in the streets has become a common sight as the coronavirus crisis continues, but the UAE’s Ministry of Interior has said the only people who need to wear them are those with pre-existing conditions and flu like symptoms.

Face masks for anyone else are not mandatory a statement published by the state news agency WAM read, adding that the recommendation follows the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Ministry urged people to follow the precautionary measures, such as social distancing and staying at home.

All malls in the country areclosed for two weeks, starting Wednesday, but supermarkets and pharmacies will be allowed to stay open 24 hours a day, but must only allow stores to have 30 percent of their original occupancy at all times to follow social distancing requirements.