Masks no longer a must in Maha
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government on Thursday announced that all Covid-19 pandemic-related restrictions, including the mandatory wearing of face masks, will be lifted from April 2, more than two years after the restrictions were imposed in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
The government, however, advised people to keep wearing masks for the “health safety of all”. The order will come into effect on April 2, when the state will celebrate ‘Gudhi Padwa’, the Marathi New Year.
“From Gudhi Padwa, all Covid-19 related restrictions under the Epidemic Diseases Act and Disaster Management Act will be withdrawn,” Maharashtra’s heath minister Rajesh Tope said.
“There will be no compulsion of wearing masks at public places and having fully vaccinated to travel in public transport. The restrictions on religious, cultural and political gatherings also have been lifted.”
The decision to lift all the restrictions was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday.
In a statement, CM Thackeray cautioned that though the restrictions are going to be lifted, it is advisable to maintain social distancing, wear mask and take anticoronavirus vaccines.
Maharashtra on Thursday reported 183 new Covid-19 cases and one death, taking the tally to 7,874,024 and toll to 147,783.
Bengal lifts restrictions
With the Covid-19 situation having considerably improved in West Bengal, the state government on Thursday announced that that all curbs related to the contagion would stand withdrawn from midnight. The government, however, stressed on the use of masks and hygiene maintenance.
“Accordingly, it is hereby notified that restrictions as currently in force by aforesaid orders are hereby withdrawn. However, advisory in respect of health and hygiene protocols including wearing of masks at all times, hand hygiene and sanitisation of public places shall continue to be strictly observed until further order,” a notification issued by the state government said.