IF YOU HAVE A DOG, WALK ALONE, YOU DO NOT NEED A MASK

 Filenews 11 November 2020 - by Despina Psyllaou

Almost three weeks after the decision to use a mask outdoors, alarm continues to prevail among the relevant services as to the interpretation of the decree. A typical example is that under the instructions the citizen can walk without a mask when walking his dog, but he is obliged to wear it if he makes the same route on his own.

As the police spokesman, Christos Andreou, explains in "F", one violates the protection measures for the pandemic if he walks without a mask outdoors (road, lane, etc.) where he may meet another person. Instead, the head of the Health Services of the Ministry of Health, Herodotus Herodotus, explains that someone walking alone can remove the mask, which he can reposition if another person approaches or stops for social interaction. However, both bodies agree that those who walk their dog are excluded from the mask.

In particular, Mr. Andreou noted that under the decrees, anyone is obliged to wear a mask outdoors. Excludes those who engage in sports activity or people with disabilities, disabilities, etc. "Nowhere is it specified whether or not individuals will be alone.

Finally, after contacting the Ministry of Health, some additional exceptions emerged, for which our members have also been informed, in order to comply with the checks." In particular, according to the Police, all those who are alone are excluded from the use of a mask and are certain not to come into contact with other persons. "For example, if someone is in the field or in the mountain or in the orchard. On the contrary, if you are walking and there is a chance that you will meet someone or pass by you or in the opposite direction, you should wear a mask." However, as he said, at the same time all those who take their dog for a walk are excluded.

For his part, Mr. Herodos noted that "it is normal when someone takes their dog out in their neighborhood not to wear a mask. The mask will be worn in case it is found outdoors with other people or in crowded.

The spirit of the measure does not oblige any citizen who walks alone to wear a mask." However, he explained, if during the walk the citizen finds the existence of another person/persons he should wear the mask, which he is entitled to take down, after walking away and being left alone again. "For example, in your neighborhood where you're going to take the dog out or the morning you go out to walk, you don't have to put on a mask."