Face masks made mandatory in Turkey amid coronavirus pandemic

As of Monday, people will be fined 900 Turkish Liras if they fail to wear face masks after the use of masks was made mandatory in all provinces of Turkey.

As of 21 June 2020, the total number of confirmed cases in the country is over 187,600 of which 160,200 have recovered and 4,900 have died.

According to the World Health Organization, masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; however, the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19. People should also maintain a minimum physical distance of at least 1 meter from others, frequently clean their hands and avoid touching their face and mask.

WHO also urged these at-risk people to wear medical masks, when they are in areas of widespread transmission and they cannot guarantee a distance of at least 1 meter from others. (ILKHA)