The Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh governments have made the wearing of face masks in public places compulsory in certain districts. This comes in light of a spike in fresh COVID-19 cases in Delhi and the National Capital Region.
Which districts do these rules apply to? Where can you un-mask? Here's all you need to know.
What is the situation in Haryana?
Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said that nearly 200 out of the 298 fresh cases were reported in Gurugram alone in the past 24 hours. A total of 21 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Faridabad.
The government has made the wearing of masks in public places mandatory in Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, and Jhajjar districts in the National Capital Region (NCR).
On Thursday, 21 April, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said, "We have directed 4 district administrations (Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, and Jhajjar) to keep a vigil on the COVID situation. People have been asked to wear face masks and a fine of Rs 500 will be imposed for not wearing face masks."
Whas has the Punjab government said?
The order, signed by the principal secretary to state's home ministry on Thursday, 21 April, stated, "Wearing of masks should be ensured in closed environments like public transport (bus, train, taxi and aircraft), cinema halls, shopping malls and departmental stores, and classrooms, offices and indoor gatherings."
Where in Uttar Pradesh is the mask mandate enforced?
Masking will now be mandatory in Gautam Budh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, and Lucknow.
At least 695 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh on Monday alone.
Is masking mandatory in Delhi again?
Yes. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday, 20 April, announced that wearing masks in Delhi will be mandatory again.
Following a review meeting, DDMA announced that those found in violation of the rule will have to pay Rs 500 in fine.
What has the Tamil Nadu Health Department said?
In an order issued on Friday, the Tamil Nadu Health Department has made wearing of masks mandatory in the state.
The order added that those who do not wear a mask will have to pay Rs 500 as fine.
The Department had earlier withdrawn the mask mandate following a decline in the number of infections. However, on Thursday, 39 people tested positive for COVID in Tamil Nadu, with 31 registered the previous day.
Meanwhile, around 30 students of IIT Madras have also tested positive for the virus and the institute was declared a COVID zone on Thursday.
What is the change in Telangana mask mandate?
Amidst reports that Telangana has withdrawn the mask mandate, Director of Public Health (DPH) Dr G Srinivasa Rao on Thursday, April 21 clarified that the mask policy is still in force.
“So far the Telangana state government has not withdrawn the wearing of masks; that is still enforced, and if somebody is not wearing masks, a fine of Rs 1000 will be imposed,” the DPH said, reported The News Minute.
Who should continue wearing masks?
Senior citizens
Immunocompromised people, and those living with people who have comorbidities
Pregnant people
Masks are also important for those who are not vaccinated, or for people in the presence of those who are unvaccinated
Is this the right time to unmask?
Experts say that now may not be the best time to issue unmasking guidelines, as the COVID-19 pandemic is very much prevalent. Not following COVID protocols, like maintaining social distance and wearing masks, would significantly increase the risk of catching the infection.
"The decision to remove the mask mandate has been taken by the government. But as a scientist, I want to add that wearing masks has been the most effective way of containing COVID-19 infections. As doctors, we have entered numerous ICUs with infected persons over the last two years, and it is the mask that has kept us protected. Unless the disease burden of the entire world, in terms of COVID-19 comes down, it is very much advisable to keep the masks on," Dr Rahul Pandit, who is a Maharashtra COVID task force member, told The Quint.
Should I mask outdoors?
This depends on what kind of outdoors. If you are out walking/exercising or if you are outdoors in a space that is not crowded, then removing your mask is safe.
However, if you are outdoors in a crowded market area, wearing masks is very much recommended, say experts.
"When you go for a morning walk, it is relatively safer to remove your mask. But when you are buying groceries in an outdoor market, being mask-less increases the chances of contracting coronavirus," Dr Subash Salunke told The Quint.
I have COVID-19 symptoms. Should I mask up?
Yes, you must. Apart from wearing a mask, those who have symptoms should also practise social distancing and hand hygiene.
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