Maharashtra lifts all Covid-19 restrictions, masks not mandatory from Saturday

All pandemic-related restrictions, including mandatory wearing of masks, will be lifted in Maharashtra from Saturday.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting on Thursday. The move comes amid steep decline in the number of Covid-19 cases.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and the cabinet have decided to withdraw Epidemic Act and Disaster Management Act. He said the chief minister and others (cabinet colleagues) have consulted the State Task Force on Covid-19 and the health department before taking this decision.

The minister said the decision to do away with masks does not mean people should cast caution to the wind.

Thackeray, however, cautioned that though the restrictions are going to be lifted, it is advisable to maintain social distancing, wear mask and take anti-coronavirus vaccines.

The state had recorded 119 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths on Wednesday. Currently, the state has only 939 active cases.

West Bengal too did away with restrictions, from Friday even as it stressed on the continued use of masks and hygiene maintenance.

Meanwhile, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) decided that there will be no fine for not wearing face masks at public places in the national capital, official sources said.

They added that the DDMA, however, is likely to issue an advisory for people, asking them to wear masks at crowded places.

Currently, there is a fine of Rs 500 for not wearing masks at public places in Delhi.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the DDMA chaired by Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal.