Maharashtra rules out relaxations for mask usage

Observe pandemic rules during Gudi Padwa festivities, says Minister

Amid global concerns of a possible “fourth wave” of the pandemic, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the State government has no plans of relaxing the usage of masks for the moment.

With festivals like Gudi Padwa and the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar round the corner, Mr. Tope urged the public to celebrate the events with caution and by observing the pandemic rules.

“For now, we have not decided to put an end to the mask mandate. The remaining restrictions on travel, entry in malls and compulsory two–dose vaccination have been kept in place to increase the inoculation rate,” said the Minister.

He said the demand to relax restrictions, especially in regard to non–vaccinated citizens travelling in railways, buses and malls, would be taken after discussions with the task force which would be placed before Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and that a decision would be taken on the remaining restrictions only after consulting the task force.

Mr. Tope said Mr. Thackeray would ultimately decide whether or not to permit processions ( ‘shobha yatras’) on Gudi Padwa, the first day of the Marathi New Year, on April 2.

From nearly 46,000 active cases in February, Maharashtra’s active case tally has dropped to a little over 950.