New Delhi: Amid the recent surge in the number of COVID related cases in most parts of the country, several states have mandated the wearing of masks and other precautionary measures.
Earlier this week, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting to take stock of the situation on ground. He alerted states to be prepared with adequate health facilities.
A mock drill is planned to be carried out across the nation to check the emergency preparedness of both public and private hospitals.
Here are the list of states that have mandated wearing of face masks:
Haryana
As a precautionary measure, the Haryana state government has mandated wearing of masks in public places including schools and colleges.
Maharashtra
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai has mandated wearing of face masks for employees, patients and visitors in all civic-run hospitals in the city. The advisory further urged senior citizens above the age of 60 years to wear face masks even though its not yet mandatory.
Kerala
The state health ministry has mandated wearing of face masks for elderly people, pregnant women and people with lifestyle diseases.
Puducherry
Amid a spike in cases, the state government has mandated wearing of masks for everyone in public places with the rule being immediately effective. The statement mandated compulsory wearing of face masks for people working at hospitals, hotels, restaurants, liquor shops, hospitality and entertainment sectors, government offices, and commercial establishments.