Cyprus and Qatar have reinstated their face mask mandates – and according to local media, Thailand could be next.
Travelers will be hoping that one step doesn’t lead to another, for the time being, is only masks and not the reinstatement of other restrictions like testing requirements or vaccine passports.
Cyprus
The Cypriot government has announced that starting Friday, July 8, everyone over the age of 12 will again have to wear a mask indoors.
The Cypriot Ministry of Health reported that between June 25 and July 5, 19,503 people tested positive out of a total of 147,623 samples. The fine for violating the rule is €300 ($305).
Qatar
Meanwhile, Qatar, which will host the FIFA World Cup beginning in November, is preparing to become the latest nation to bring back its mask mandate.
Following yesterday’s cabinet meeting in Qatar, the country’s Ministry of Health said that starting Thursday, July 7, all people six years and older will be required to wear face masks in enclosed public places.
This means that masks must now be worn in mosques, hospitals, workplaces, public transportation, gyms, shopping malls, and movie theaters, among other places. Similar to Cyprus, the decision was made due to an increase in cases; now an average of 650 cases per day are reported.
Thailand
In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, some prominent physicians in the country have called on the government to reinstate the mask mandate.
Although the mask requirement has expired, many Thais still wear masks. The practice is unpopular with tourists, and if it were reinstated, it could discourage many people from visiting Thailand. The matter is expected to be addressed at the next meeting of the country’s Covid 19 task force later this week.