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Face masks: the new normal in Malé city amidst COVID-19

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.

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured on his motorcycle wearing a face mask. President Solih on Wednesday waived import duties on face masks and hand sanitizers over the COVID-19 outbreak. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: Many in Malé city are seen wearing face masks on their motorcycles as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN

Malé, March 19, 2020: Two young men pictured wearing face masks on their motorcycles. Many in Malé city are seen wearing face masks as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured walking on the streets wearing a face mask. Many in Malé city are seen wearing face masks to protect themselves against COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured wearing a face mask—many in Malé city are seen wearing face masks to protect themselves against COVID-19. Health professionals however advised against the use of surgical masks, unless an individual showed symptoms for COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured wearing a face mask. President Solih on Wednesday waived import duties on face masks and hand sanitizers over COVID-19 outbreak. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A shopkeeper pictured at the local market wearing a face mask as a preventive measure against the COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A shopkeeper pictured at the local market wearing a face mask as a preventive measure against the COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: Many people are seen at the local market wearing face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Health professionals however advised against the use of surgical masks, unless an individual showed symptoms for COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured paying for his goods wears a mask as a preventive measure against the COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured at the local market wearing a face mask. President Solih on Wednesday waived import duties on face masks and hand sanitizers over the COVID-19 outbreak. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured at the local market wearing a face mask. President Solih on Wednesday waived import duties on face masks and hand sanitizers over COVID-19 outbreak. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured sitting at his desk at the local market wears a face mask as he works. Health professionals however advised against the use of surgical masks, unless an individual showed symptoms for COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A pick-up driver pictured wearing a face mask. Many are seen wearing the mask as a precaution against COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN

Malé, March 19, 2020: Many residents of Malé city are seen wearing face masks on their motorcycles as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured buying fresh produce wears a mask as a preventive measure against the COVID-19. Health professionals however advised against the use of surgical masks, unless an individual showed symptoms for COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man pictured wearing a mask he unloads boxes at the local market. Many residents in Malé city are wearing face masks as a preventive measure against the COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS / MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: Pick-up drivers pictured wearing face masks as they work amidst the CVOID-19 outbreak in the country. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Covid-19 Face Mask Health People Workers

Malé, March 19, 2020: Many in Malé city are seen wearing face masks on their motorcycles on Sinamale Bridge, as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: Many residents in Malé city are seen wearing face masks on their motorcycles on Sinamale Bridge, as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN

Covid-19 Mask Sinamale Bridge Health People

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man walking home with bags of groceries seen wearing a face. Residents in Malé are increasingly seen wearing the face mask amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man wearing a face mask poses for a picture. Residents in Malé city reacts to the COVID-19 outbreak by wearing the face mask. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN

Malé, March 19, 2020: Two men wearing face masks pictured engage in a conversation on the side of a street in Malé city. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man in helmet wearing a helmet and face mask. Many residents in Malé city are seen wearing face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: Foreign workers wearing face masks amidst the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

Malé, March 19, 2020: A foreigner wearing a face mask as a precautionary measure against CVOID-19, spotted on the Sinamale Bridge. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: Pick-up drivers wearing face masks as they work amidst the CVOID-19 outbreak in the country. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

Malé, March 19, 2020: A man wears a face mask as he drives away on his motorcycle on Sinamale Bridge. Residents are increasingly using face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYAS/MIHAARU

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