CHATTER THAT MATTERS

Mumbai is mask-free at last but is it the right thing to do? Has Covid-19 really gone out of our lives, or should we continue to mask up? That's the dilemma Mumbaikars are facing even as the state government announced that there was no need to wear face masks anymore. We asked Mumbaikars whether this is the right time to ditch masks, and as usual, the opinions are divided.

Just as the Maharashtra government announced that wearing masks will be voluntary, the threat of a new variant of Covid has arrived. I think that citizens should continue to wear masks if they step out of the house, especially while visiting crowded areas. The threat is still not over. The good thing is that no fine will be extracted from a maskless individual, which means that people can do away with wearing masks in their vehicles, which is good. — Kirti Joshi

Face masks were for the protection against the virus and even now the pandemic is not completely declared as over, but as the mask has been an inconvenience for many people and the Covid graph has seen a drop, maybe the mask should be optional now. Those who want to wear it for their protection can wear it, and those who don’t mind risking it and not wearing the mask may do so accordingly. — Poonam Game

Ithink that the mask mandate should have been revoked long back when the positivity rate started to decline and so also the mortality rate. The government has now decided to lift all the restrictions including the mask mandate, which is great and people who are finding it difficult to carry on with a mask amidst the scorching heat can have a sigh of relief. — Tahir Baig

It’s never too late to take the decision on removing the mask. The government has taken the decision based on all consequences of Covid-19. More importantly, citizens need to follow protocols if they don’t want to contract infections. Secondly, it is a good decision as now people don’t have to pay a fine and can roam freely. — Siva Krisnan

Iam in favour of wearing a mask. Even though the cases have reduced, there are many benefits of wearing it as it may reduce the other infection, dust allergy and most common asthma. Wear a mask and reduce the illness. — Shashikant Gani

Considering the current situation, this is completely a personal choice. The government says it is not compulsory. Therefore it's up to individuals to decide. —Adv. Vinod Sangvikar

The rate of infection is very low and the decision has been taken in that context. But I think masks are still needed for people whose immunity is low, such as . senior citizens, people with comorbidities, and those who have not taken both doses of vaccine. — YP Sharma I think yes. This is the right time to stop using masks. Now everyone is inoculated. Even herd immunity has developed. Moreover, I would say using a mask should not be a compulsion. It must be a choice. I have observed that many people have already stopped using masks. —Priya Khandare

Historically speaking, the entire world cannot experience the end of the pandemic in unison but as it is at an alltime low in India, the government needs to take measures accordingly without underestimating the possibility of a new surge. — Neha Raj

Wearing a mark should be an individual choice. Though the government has relaxed the compulsion, citizens at crowded places should wear facemasks for their own safety. —Dolly Marchetty

While this could be a very risky move at this point of time, one could always use a face mask for their own safety. Politically, it could be beneficial for the parties to make a bold move like this, but don't be surprised if we see a sudden spike in Covid cases. — Nikhil Bhogale

It's good that masks aren't mandatory, but people should continue to wear them in public places or even while travelling in local trains and buses. After all, it's always better to be safe. — Madhu Kotian

My answer is, prevention is better than cure. It will be advisable to wear a mask for some more days but compulsion should be removed considering that pandemic is under control. — Adv. Uday Warunjikar

Yes, since cases are declining, it is time to do away with masks. Instead of compulsion, it is good that it is kept optional. Some people, as a precaution, may want to continue to wear it. Every individual will have his/her choice. —Ashish J

It's been two years since we are compelled to wear mask for our safety and that of others. As the pandemic is beginning to fade away, I think it's great that the mask mandate has been revoked. And it was much needed as the temperature starts to rise people are getting more uncomfortable with the mask on. — Jaivardhan Bhosikar