The Riyadh Municipality has launched a two-week campaign instructing barbers to wear face masks as a safeguard against the swine flu. Solaiman Al-Buthi, General Manager of the Environmental Health Department, said wearing face masks will be made mandatory for people working in barber shops after the end of a two-week drive that started Saturday. The campaign is aimed at educating barbers about the importance of wearing face masks for their own safety and the safety of others against infectious diseases, he said. “Wearing face masks for barbers while at work will be made mandatory starting Shawwal 1 (Sept. 20),” he said. This measure has been taken in the general interest of public safety and that the practice will continue even after the swine flu concern is over, he said. People working at barber shops could pose a potential threat of contracting swine flu virus from the infected persons through cough, sneeze or breathing, as they (barbers) come in close contact with people while at work, he said. The official said barbers have already been given instructions to wash hands regularly, sterilize their tools, use new razors and change towels for each customer.
