Mask mandate back in these states as Covid cases rise
Several states and Union Territories have introduced mask mandates
In view of the rise in coronavirus cases across the country, India has stepped up its surveillance on new variants and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged people to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.
Several states and Union Territories have introduced mask mandates, while others have issued advisories to curb the spread of the disease.
Last week, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presided over a review meeting with the health ministers of all the states and Union Territories, and urged them to remain vigilant and ready for the treatment of the disease.
He had also encouraged the State Health Ministers to assess the health preparedness with district administrations and health authorities and perform mock drills of all hospital infrastructure on April 10 and 11.
Here are the guidelines issued:
Delhi: Amid the increasing Covid positivity rate, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj Monday advised people to not step out in public places if they have flu-like symptoms, adding that cases are expected to rise in the coming days owing to Delhi’s high population density.
Haryana: The state government has made wearing face masks mandatory across the state for gatherings of more than 100 people in its new Covid-19 guidelines. Healthcare workers have also been asked to wear masks. Covid testing has been made mandatory for patients arriving with cough and cold at hospitals across the state.
Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made masks mandatory for all patients, their visitors and employees in all civic-run hospitals. The civic body also appealed to citizens above 60 years of age to wear face masks in crowded places as a precautionary measure.
Rajasthan: The state’s Medical Education Secretary T Ravikanth and Health Secretary Dr Prithvi have instructed compulsory tests of patients visiting hospitals for symptoms of coronavirus.
Kerala: State health minister Veena George has announced mandatory mask for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with lifestyle diseases.
Puducherry: The UT has made the wearing of mask compulsory in public places, on beach road, parks and theatres. Staff working in hospitals, hotels, bars, restaurants, liquor shops, hospitality and entertainment sectors, government offices and commercial establishments should compulsorily wear masks, District Collector E Vallavan said.
