Mask Rule Returns As Covid Cases Rise In India

India recorded more than 6000 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Several States have made the mask rule mandatory.

Coronavirus cases in India are rapidly increasing. As per the report posted by the Health Ministry, India recorded more than 6000 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. As the number of fresh Covid cases more than doubled in the past week, the sharpest spikes were seen in Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and UP. The recovery rate is 98.75 percent. Only 11 deaths have been recorded nation-wide in the last 24 hours. As the vaccination drive had become powerful, some people had developed a false sense of security and lowered their guard against the infection which may have been the cause for covid coming up again. Detected in several states of India, the new variant XBB.1.16 is believed to be more infectious as compared to the previous variants. However, most infections are mild or asymptomatic, and very few result in hospitalization or death. Therefore, doctors have advised vaccinated people to follow public health measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding crowded places, especially in areas with high transmission rates. The government is also working towards the mock drills across the country to make the hospitals prepared for any incoming load. The mock drills are scheduled to happen on 10th and 11th of April. The government is going to provide booster shots to the citizens who have not yet received it. 

Meanwhile several states have made masks compulsory. Kerala made masks mandatory for pregnant women, the elderly and those with lifestyle diseases. Haryana has made wearing face masks mandatory for citizens in public places, where there is a gathering of more than 100 people, government offices, malls, etc.  

The Puducherry made wearing of masks compulsory in public places like on the beach, parks and theaters. People working in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, liquor shops, hospitality and entertainment sectors, government offices should compulsorily wear masks. Students, teachers and other staff should wear masks compulsorily. Mumbai, Maharashtra: BMC announces new guidelines, makes masks mandatory in Mumbai govt hospitals.  In the meantime we should understand and do our parts. We should go back to following the basic protocols like wearing masks, sanitizing frequently, etc. This will not only help us but our family, friends and colleagues too.

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