In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, many Malé residents are reacting by adapting a new normal—wearing protective face masks as they go about their daily lives. The capital city saw a flurry of people stock up on surgical masks and hand sanitizers while shops and pharmacies proceeded to raise the price of such goods, prompting State Trading Organization (STO), to then intervene and control sales. Further in response, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih waived import duties on surgical masks and hand sanitizers as a measure to contain a COVID-19 outbreak in the nation. Health professionals have however advised against mass use of surgical masks, calling it unnecessary unless an individual shows symptoms for COVID-19 or is immuno-compromised.