MIA: In some countries, there are stricter penalties for not using medical masks

On February 19, 2021, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) appealed to citizens to use medical masks.

The appeal says that a number of countries are implementing stricter punitive measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic. For example, those who do not use medical masks are fined ₼ 219 in Turkey, ₼ 307 in Germany, ₼ 235 in the United Kingdom, ₼ 276 in France, and from ₼ 510 to ₼ 550 in the United States.

In some countries, along with higher fines, a 30-day prison sentence is also specified.

Fakt Yoxla examined whether the claim of the MIA was true.

According to another decision of the Cabinet of Ministers on November 19, 2020, from November 21, 2020, it is mandatory to wear a mask in public places in the open air.

Individuals who do not comply with this rule shall be fined ₼ 100, officials ₼ 300, and legal entities ₼ 600. Individuals shall be fined ₼ 200, officials ₼ 600, and legal entities ₼ 1,200 for the repeated commission of the same offense within 1 year from the date of entry into force of the decision on the imposition of an administrative penalty.

What is the situation in this area in foreign countries, about which the MIA claims?

In Turkey, starting from June 22, 2020, in 48 out of 81 provinces, people shall be fined ₺ 900 (₼ 219) for not wearing a mask in the open air. In 33 other provinces, masks are required to be worn indoors, such as shopping malls, markets, restaurants, cafes, and barbershops.

In Germany, the fine for not wearing a mask on public transport and in shops, as well as in other crowded public places, is € 50 (₼ 102). Unlike in Azerbaijan, there is no need to wear a mask in the open air.

In the UK, the fine for not wearing a mask on public transport, as well as in some public places (bank, school, train station, restaurant, etc.) is £ 200. If the fine is paid within 14 days, the amount is reduced to £ 100 (₼ 238). Unlike in Azerbaijan, there is no need to wear a mask in the open air too.

In France, the fine for not wearing a mask on public transport and indoors is € 135 (₼ 278). Unlike in Azerbaijan, there is no need to wear a mask in the open air too.

In the United States, these fines vary from state to state, ranging from $ 50 to $ 400 (from ₼ 85 to ₼ 680).

In some states, wearing a mask in the open air is mandatory only when social distancing of about 2 meters is not possible and when there is any contact with a non-household member.

If we compare the fines for not wearing a mask in the countries mentioned in the MIA’s report with the average monthly salary in those countries, we can see that Azerbaijan is the second country with the highest fines.

Thus, in the countries mentioned in the MIA’s report, the penalty for not wearing a mask, in contrast to not wearing a mask in the open air in Azerbaijan, is mainly limited to public transport and indoor spaces. Only in about half of Turkey's provinces, it is mandatory to wear a mask outdoors.

In Germany and the United States, it is mandatory to wear a mask only in crowded places when social distancing is not possible.

In France and the United Kingdom, there is no need to wear a mask outdoors.

On the other hand, in these countries, the fines for improper use of masks are lower than the average monthly salary. Azerbaijan ranks second in terms of high fines after Turkey.

Fakt Yoxla concludes that the claim of the MIA is Mostly False.