A number of banks in Bolivia have banned the masks worn by customers to guard against catching Mexican flu, known also as swine flu. The move follows a sharp increase in the number of bank raids where the robbers where similar masks.

Many people in Bolivia have taken to wearing the masks in order to escape infection with the A (H1N1) flu virus. Robbers are making use of the phenomenon and are wearing masks to hide their identity during raids. Bank staff are still being allowed to wear masks if they want.

Photo: Flickr / FaceMe PLS