In view of the entry into force of the Government's strategy for the gradual lifting of the bans on Monday, May 4, 2020, and the provision of mandatory mask use by specific groups of workers, but also optional for the general population, the Ministry of Health recalls:
- In the context of public health protection measures, the use of a mask is complementary measure and does not replace the application of other precautionary practices such as social distancing, hand hygiene, surface cleaning, natural ventilation of living and working areas, etc.
- General population: The use of a disposable mask for the general population is recommended and is not mandatory in cases of presence of citizens in crowded and closed spaces, where there is a gathering of people, such as supermarkets, department stores, retail businesses, pharmacies, banks, Public and wider public sector departments that serve the public, the transfer, etc.
- Employees: The use of a disposable mask is obligatory for people employed in:
- Public transport (eg bus drivers),
- Interiors private enterprises, Public and wider public sector departments, which serve the public, such as the Citizens' Service Centers, the Post Offices, the courier companies, payment accounts of Organizational accounts (eg EAC, CYTA, Local Government), etc.
- People working in positions direct service to the public in retail businesses. Indicatively:
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- Supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, public markets, retail stores, etc.
- Public service in parts of the food chain such as butchers, fishmongers, fruit shops, kiosks, mini markets, retail (eg clothing and footwear sales, cosmetics, etc.), etc.
- Distribute
- Employees in construction sites / construction sector: People working in the construction industry must use disposable masks when traveling by car (the number of people in the car must not exceed 2 people) when using elevators
4. OR maximum wholesale and retail price of masks disposable (surgical masks) was determined through Decree of the Minister of Health, dated 15 April 2020, at €0,70 per piece (€ 27,37 per 50 pieces). Therefore, any violation of this Decree should be reported immediately to 1429 (Consumer Line) to take the appropriate measures.
Citizens are also urged to be especially careful when choosing protective masks. According to the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Health, the appropriate protective mask for the general public is simple surgical mask. As for other types of masks (paper, masks with filters, etc.), these do not fall under the recommendations and do not serve the precautionary measures of personal hygiene.
It is also recommended to purchase these masks from reputable points of sale, to check that they necessarily bear the CE compliance mark and that they are packaged in a safe way.
At the same time, the correct way to use the mask is reminded:
- The mask covers the face from the tip of the nose, mouth and chin.
- Before applying or removing the mask, wash your hands with soap and water or an alcoholic antiseptic solution.
- Remove the mask by carefully removing it from the back and do NOT touch the front.
- After use, place the mask in a trash can.