Health ministry urges mask wearing in public gatherings over holidays with COVID on the rise

The Health Ministry urges the vulnerable and “those interested in reducing risk” to wear masks in crowded indoor gatherings amid a rise in COVID infections.

A ministry statement says that it is constantly monitoring infections from new variants and currently sees a moderate increase in hospitalizations.

“Ahead of the holidays and as a result of the increase in infections, the Health Ministry recommends that those who are in vulnerable groups and those interested in reducing the risk of infection should wear masks in closed areas with large crowds,” the statement says.

“Also, it is recommended to wear a mask when meeting those in high-risk groups,” the ministry says.