Wearing mask is not mandatory but advised, says Maha health minister

The state health minister said although the letter by the health ministry says the use of masks is a must, it is in fact an appeal to people to wear masks. He added no action will be taken against those who don't wear them.

PTI

June 04, 2022 / 17:49 IST

The Union health ministry had also sent an advisory to the state a few days ago regarding the increase in cases, the state health minister said. (Representative Image: AFP)

Amid confusion over the Maharashtra government's latest communication on the use of masks, Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Saturday said it was only an appeal and masks have not been made mandatory in the state. Coronavirus cases have been rising steadily in the state for the last few days.

The state health department on Friday issued a letter to district and civic authorities, asking them to ramp up testing and advising people to wear masks in enclosed spaces such as trains, buses, cinemas, auditoriums, offices, hospitals, colleges and schools. But confusion prevailed as to whether it intended to make the use of masks mandatory once again. The mask compulsion had been removed in April.

Speaking to reporters in Pune, Tope said, Although the letter by the health ministry says the use of masks is a must, it is in fact an appeal to people to wear masks. No action will be taken against those who don't wear them.

Wearing masks is advised in enclosed places such as trains, buses, schools and colleges. People are expected to wear masks in such places, he added.

The surge in COVID-19 cases is noticeable in Mumbai, Pune, Palghar, Thane and parts of Raigad district, the minister said. The Union health ministry had also sent an advisory to the state a few days ago regarding the increase in cases, Tope said.

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