British influencers Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have been criticised by YouTube viewers for not adequately wearing face masks during a recent trip to Dubai.
The couple, both 21, were spotted in a taxi, on an Emirates flight and walking through a hotel without covered noses and mouths during a video, posted to Hague's channel on December 18.
Face coverings to protect against Covid-19 became compulsory in public places across the UAE in April as health authorities aimed to reduce the spread of new infections.
Anyone who does not follow safety regulations can face a Dh3,000 fine. Masks should cover the nose, mouth and chin, and can only be removed when sat down and dining in restaurants.
It is also mandatory to wear a face mask for the entirety of the journey on Emirates flights, unless eating.
In the 20-minute video posted by former Love Island contestant Hague, the reality TV star and Fury pull down their masks to talk to the camera while on-board an Emirates business class flight. They later completely remove their masks, though the airline provides a hygiene kit free of charge for travellers, consisting of face masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser.
The couple, who stayed at Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel, filmed themselves walking through the resort with no masks at several points in the video, which has received more than 800,000 views.
They also enter a taxi from the hotel, en route to Atlantis, The Palm, without wearing face masks.
The couple reunited with Love Island co-stars Maura Higgins and Chris Taylor for dinner at At.mosphere in the Burj Khalifa, though Higgins was filmed wearing a face mask while in the lobby.
The comments section of Hague's YouTube video has been flooded by fans reprimanding the pair for not following safety guidelines.
"I really enjoy your vlogs but if you’re going to travel during a global pandemic please, at the bare minimum, wear your masks properly," one user commented.
"Imagine not wearing a mask properly when you are able to," wrote another.
"Everyone has to wear a mask while on the plane except when eating. Disgusting behaviour and you’re sharing this online," added another. "Also if your nose isn’t covered then you’re not wearing the mask properly."
The couple have since departed the UAE for the Maldives.
Following criticism from social media users for choosing to travel during the pandemic, Hague addressed the controversy on Instagram.
"In response to the messages I’m already getting about us being away throughout this time, please understand that Tommy and I left the UK from Cheshire which was in Tier 2 at the time," she wrote on her Instagram Stories, after stricter regulations were enforced in the UK this week.
"If we knew these rules were going to be put in place then obviously we would have never left the UK. The minute we arrive home we will be following government guidelines."
