A possible measure by the authorities regarding the obligation to wear a protective mask during the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic may not lead to the expected results, according to Health Minister Alexandru Rafila. According to him, starting next week, an average of 10,000 diseases will be registered per day.

Rafila made such statements when answering a question about the possibility of mandatory protective masks. He recommended that the population wear protective masks in crowded closed places and public transport to limit the spread of the disease.

• “The Ministry of Health does not have this lever at its disposal (obligatory hygienic masks – no).
• As I mentioned earlier, especially since this is an extremely hot season, it is good that the public is participating in this effort to limit the spread. This can be done with a very simple measure, using a mask in crowded closed places or on public transport.
• I’ve even seen examples of people choosing to use them. I think it’s a strong message for people to understand that if they protect themselves, they also protect others. We must have a certain type of solidarity and responsibility.
• The introduction of the obligation may not give the expected results for a very simple reason – the mask is useless if worn incorrectly. It is important not only to wear a mask, but also to wear it correctly. It is difficult to set up checkpoints every five meters so that someone can check it,” Rafila said at a press conference.

More than 12,000 cases of COVID-19 have been registered over the past day. This is the highest balance in the last more than five months – on February 22, 14,000 diseases were registered.

Health Minister Alexandrou Rafila said an estimated total of 70,000 cases would be reported next week, or about 10,000 cases a day. (Photo: dreamstime.com)