Turkmenistan fines people going outside without face masks - report

AKIPRESS.COM - People are fined in Turkmenistan when they do not wear face masks outside, Turkmen service of RFE/RL reported.
Turkmen authorities still deny presence of coronavirus in the country despite the hospitals are filled with patients.
Police officers detain people without masks in the streets and take them to police station, where they are fined in the amount of 60 manats ($17). The detained people are required to undersign statement pledging they will not go outside without masks anymore, correspondent of Turkmen service of RFE/RL reported.
Drivers without masks are taken to police as well. They are fined additional 50 manats ($14).
Despite Turkmenistan has not confirmed a single coronavirus case in the country, the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry recommended citizens wear masks and maintain social distancing over "increased concentration of dust in the air."
WHO mission recommended the Turkmen authorities to take actions as if coronavirus already circulates in the country. The country began closing markets, big stores and mosques. Work of big markets and stores was prohibited in Ashgabat. Public places and mosques were shut down in Lebap province. People in Mary were recommeded to cancel weddings and funeral repasts. In all regions of the country people are urged to stay home and wear masks when going outside.