* 209 people referred to Public Prosecution for not wearing masks
 
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has reiterated the importance of masks for public safety as the number of people referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks crossed 200, according to the latest data released Tuesday.
In a post on social media Tuesday, the MoI said: "Wearing a mask protects you and others from Covid-19 and reflects your commitment to the public safety."
"Wearing a mask in places where it is obligatory protects you from the risk of coronavirus infection," it added.
This came as the MoI informed that the designated authorities had referred 209 people to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in places where they were mandatory.
The measure is in line with the Cabinet decision based on Decree Law No 17 of 1990 on infectious diseases, and the precautionary and preventive measures in force in the country to contain the spread of Covid-19, Qatar News Agency added.
The designated authorities have called on the public to adhere to the precautionary and preventive measures in place to ensure their protection, and that of others, from the spread of Covid-19 in society.
On Monday, it was reported that 175 people had been referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks in places where they were mandatory, preceded by 174 on Sunday and 204 on January 20.
Dr Muna al-Maslamani, medical director of the Communicable Disease Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, recently highlighted the importance of following precautionary measures such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing even after taking the Covid-19 vaccine.
Addressing the question if one still needs to wear a mask and socially distance after taking the vaccine, Dr al-Maslamani said in a video shared by the Ministry of Public Health recently: “Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that Covid-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop the pandemic.”
These include wearing a mask over one’s nose and mouth, washing the hands often and staying at least 6ft away from people who don’t live with you, she explained.
“Together, the Covid-19 vaccination and following the Ministry of Public Health’s recommendations on how to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading Covid-19,” she added.
 
 
Related Story