The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) on Monday distributed free branded nose masks to traders, travelers and transport unions in the Metropolis ahead of its enforcement of mandatory wearing of face masks.

The Assembly, in its first round of distribution, would  give away a total of 20,000 washable and 10,000 disposables to residents especially, the vulnerable.

The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Felix Mensah Nii Anang-La said distribution was part of processes to kick start the enforcement of the mandatory wearing of nose masks as part of measures against the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Mr Anang-La, who personally shared the masks to the traders at the Oninku school park temporal market and passengers at the Mankoadze lorry station, said the rest would be given to the Assembly members and unit committee members to be distributed to the vulnerable in the electoral areas.

He urged residents to value their lives and that of others by wearing the nose masks and strictly adhere to other protocols especially, hand washing and social distancing.

He said the Assembly would meet with the Ghana Police to start the enforcement saying the Assembly’s task force would help the Police in the enforcement.

“It’s not a joke, we mean serious business, and everybody must comply with nose mask wearing because we will surely enforce it”.