Wearing a mandatory mask: Beninese cover themselves with what they find

Text by: RFI Follow

Since midnight on Tuesday, the wearing of protective masks has been compulsory in public places in Benin, in order to halt the progression of the coronavirus epidemic.

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With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan

Even if many Beninese people hid their noses and mouths this Wednesday, April 8, not everyone had their mask. On the faces, there was everything with in particular the surgical mask subsidized by the State and sold at 200 CFA francs in the 200 pharmacies of pharmacies in the health corridor. But there were also many colorful masks, made of African fabric, while some used their scarf or scarf.

Tolerant police

Faced with these " Beninese " solutions, the police, deployed early this morning at the crossroads to monitor compliance with the measure, were tolerant. On the other hand, it was intransigent with the maskless: when you are on a motorcycle or in a car, the police immobilize it and oblige you to go and get the mask before handing over your keys.

►Also read: Coronavirus: Africa facing the pandemic on Tuesday April 7

Those who did not have a mask this morning believe that the sale price is too high or say that there is a shortage in pharmacies. Finally, there are those who think that a masked face is a source of discomfort: " I am uncomfortable and I suffocate ", explained an onlooker.

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