Chechen residents obliged to wear masks despite statement of Minister for Public Health

In Chechnya, Magomed Daudov, the head of the local operational headquarters, has announced imposing a mandatory "mask regime." He has threatened to fine violators. Earlier, the Chechen Minister for Public Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced that masks do not protect people from the coronavirus infection, Instagram users and residents of the republic recall.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that by May 5, the number of coronavirus-infected patients rose to 615 in Chechnya. Eight of them died.

"Wearing medical masks is mandatory in any public place where two and more persons stay on the same territory. Shopping, travelling in vehicles, and walking along the streets are no exception," announced Magomed Daudov as quoted by the news agency "Chechnya Today".

Leyla, a woman from Grozny, noted the contradictory statements of the Chechen officials. "At the beginning (of the pandemic), they also demanded from us to wear masks and gloves. However, then Minister Suleimanov says that masks do not give protection, but rather increase the risks of diseases. The officials would rather decide what they want from people," the woman said.

Aminat, a resident of Chechnya with the medical education, has also expressed her astonishment. "At first, they say we should wear masks, and then they say we don't have to wear any masks ... Why should people wear any masks if the WHO has recognized that has no sense at all?" said the woman.