Covid-19 surge: Are masks required in Maharashtra?
According to Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope, masks should be worn in enclose spaces such as trains. Buses, cinemas, auditoriums, offices, hospitals, colleges, and schools.
Clarification from the State Health Minister
Amid an increase in Covid-19 cases in the state, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope clarified on Saturday (June 4) that the Uddhav Thackeray-led government has not made masks mandatory but has advised people to wear them. Tope told reporters in Pune. Although the health ministry letter states that masks are require, it is an appeal to people to wear masks. Those who do not wear them will face no consequences.
“The state task force on COVID-19, which met two days ago in Mumbai, decided to encourage people to wear masks more frequently to reduce their chances of contracting the infection. According to the minister, the state government will monitor the situation for the next 15 days.
He also stated that, while Covid-19 cases are increasing, hospitalizations remain very low, indicating that infections are mild. “In addition, the state government has directed all district collectors and municipal commissioners to expedite testing and vaccination. Authorities should keep an eye out for people wearing masks in designated areas,” Tope said.
” According to the health minister, masks should be worn in confine spaces such as trains, buses, cinemas, auditoriums, offices, hospitals, colleges, and schools. “People are expect to wear masks in such places,” he said.
In a letter to district and civic officials on Friday, the Maharashtra health department directed them to increase testing and ask people to wear masks in enclosed spaces. However, this has raised questions about whether the government has reinstated the mask mandate. As cases declined, the state government repealed the mask compulsion in April.
Coronavirus cases have increased in Mumbai, Pune, Palghar, Thane, and parts of the Raigad district, according to Tope.
