An ambulance carrying a patient infected with COVID-19 arrives at the University Clinic for Infectious Diseases in Skopje, North Macedonia, Oct. 19, 2020. On Sunday, the Health Ministry reported 428 new cases and 10 COVID-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 23,628, with 17,239 recoveries and 834 fatalities. (Photo by Tomislav Georgiev/Xinhua)
SKOPJE, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Police fined over 700 citizens in North Macedonia in the last 24 hours for not complying with the measure of using personal protective equipment such as face masks, a mandatory measure imposed by the authorities in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.
According to a press release from the ministry, a total of 702 people were fined in the country for not respecting the rule.
"Using protective masks, keeping physical distance and washing your hands are the key in the fight against COVID-19. Currently, these are the only measures that can stop the spread of the virus. The danger that autumn brings is a serious alarm that we must constantly observe protective measures," said the press release.
"The ministry urges citizens to comply with the government measures and protocols on protection against COVID-19," it said.
Over the past week, the number of new infections in North Macedonia has continued increasing.
On Sunday, the Health Ministry reported 428 new cases and 10 COVID-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 23,628, with 17,239 recoveries and 834 fatalities. Enditem
