Moldova does not have now a norm that would impose the wearing of protective masks, President Igor Dodon said in the program “President Responds”. He noted that the wearing of protective masks is a recommendation and is not mandatory, IPN reports.

“I mandatorily wear a mask when I go to health facilities,” he stated, noting that everyone can decide where to wear and where not to wear a mask as long as this is not a compulsory condition.

Asked why he does not maintain social distancing at the events in which he takes part, Igor Dodon didn’t provide a clear answer. “Have you accompanied me to see if there was a distance of one meter, two meters of three meters?”. He also said that when he pays visits to veterans, even if he does not wear protective equipment, this is a joy for the veterans.

President Dodon said he was tested for COVID-19 when some of the members of the Commission for Exceptional Situations contracted the virus. The test was paid by him and was negative.

The local Commission for Exceptional Situations of Chisinau introduced the obligation to wear protective masks in closed public areas as of May 7. A number of public institutions that serve the citizens, including the National House of Special Insurance, said access to their local subdivisions is allowed only on condition that the visitors wear masks and gloves.

In national drugstores, surgical face masks cost 8-10 lei apiece, while cotton masks that can be reused cost 20 lei and more.