Ministry official says 'recommended' to wear masks indoors despite lifted mask mandate

“Although the mask mandate has been lifted in Azerbaijan, it is recommended to wear masks, especially in crowded and closed spaces,” Tayyar Eyvazov, an infectious disease specialist at the Ministry of Health, told Report.

According to him, currently, the epidemiological situation in Azerbaijan is controlled and stable.

“However, the pandemic is not over and the virus has the potential to mutate enough to cause a new wave. The epidemiological situation in the countries around us is relatively stable, and we can say with confidence that the current favorable situation in Azerbaijan will continue for some time. Therefore, we urge the population not to lose vigilance and strictly follow all the recommendations during the quarantine period. We believe that the rapid spread of the Omicron strain means that such cases can be repeated. The vaccination should continue, especially those at risk should be more careful and get re-vaccinated.”

According to the relevant decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, the mask mandate will be abolished in Azerbaijan from May 1.