COVID-19 in India: States where wearing mask isn't mandatory anymore
States like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Telangana have announced the relaxation of COVID-19-related norms, including the wearing of face masks, starting this month. The decision was taken in the wake of a steady decline in coronavirus cases across the country with the Centre also withdrawing all containment measures from Friday. However, the question of whether or not to wear a mask still remains debatable.
Why does this story matter?
India has been seeing a steady decline in COVID-19 cases despite a sudden surge globally. The Centre is also withdrawing the majority of guidelines implemented two years ago to curb the spread of the deadly virus—except for the wearing of masks and social distancing. Notably, the Centre had conveyed this decision to states and UTs last week in view of the decrease in cases.
Mask is the first line of defense against COVID-19
Maharashtra and Delhi have now abolished the penalty for not wearing masks in public places. Maharashtra's Health Minister, Rajesh Tope, said the mandatory mask rule will be withdrawn on Saturday, but those who wish to wear one can continue doing so. To recall, not wearing a mask was considered an offense during the pandemic for it was the first line of defense against COVID-19.
Wearing mask still mandatory in West Bengal
Meanwhile, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), similar to Maharashtra, has decided to do away with the imposition of a Rs. 500 fine on individuals for not wearing a mask. Telangana's Health Department has also announced the withdrawal of its mask mandate with effect from Friday. Though the West Bengal government lifted all COVID-19-related restrictions, it said the mask mandate will remain in place.
Centre recommends to wear masks, maintain social distance
Last week, the Centre had declared that all COVID-19 containment measures will be phased out by Thursday (March 31). However, it recommended the wearing of face masks and maintaining a social distance in public places. Meanwhile, though states are not completely doing away with masks, they are repealing the emergency provision of penalties, which might encourage individuals to stop wearing masks in public altogether.
How wise is to unmask at this time?
In recent days, the spread of Omicron BA.2 has emerged as a fresh concern in many countries, including China. Several major Chinese cities are witnessing tighter curbs to stop the spread. Although India's pandemic situation is improving, experts believe it still doesn't justify the withdrawal of mask mandates and may instead result in chaos. They say those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must continue using masks.
COVID-19 is still not out of this world: Expert
"While it has been observed that many people have already stopped wearing masks, amid a fall in COVID-19 cases, I would say it should have been done in a gradual manner," Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, a senior consultant at Apollo Hospitals, was quoted as saying by PTI. "Mask mandates should have remained in crowded public places...COVID-19 is still not out of this world," he added.
Not wise to do away with fine: Leading pulmonologist
Dr. Richa Sareen, a pulmonology consultant at New Delhi's Fortis Hospital, said vulnerable groups, like people with co-morbidities or other illnesses and lung issues, must continue to wear masks and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. She also said doing away with penalties for not wearing masks in public places was not a wise move "as there is a threat of a fourth [COVID-19] wave."
