Nassau, BAHAMAS- Prime Minister Hubert Minnis today promised increased enforcement of new face mask rules.
The requirement to wear masks is designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Since April 8, residents above the age of two to wear are required to wear masks in public.
Minnis said business owners, who didn’t ensure that their employees wore masks while serving customers, would be prosecuted.
He said, “Employers must provide their employees who are serving the general public with masks and appropriate protective equipment and measures. If not, the employer could face a fine.
“Store owners may also be fined for allowing customers to enter their establishments without a protective face covering.”
Last week, a magistrate fined a man $200 or one month in prison for failing to wear a mask in public
Residents are asked to wear reusable cloth masks so that medical grade masks are reserved for healthcare workers.
Last week, Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands explained the reason for the mandatory requirement to wear masks.
He said, “By wearing masks we limit the escape of particles when we speak, or when we breathe, and this will reduce the potential for the virus to spread.”
Masks prevent the wearer from potentially spreading the virus to others.
However, this does not take the place of physical distancing – one of the ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Minnis has also banned the wholesale importation of reusable cloth masks to protect the local industry.
However, people are still allowed to import 10 masks or fewer for personal use.
