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To wear a mask or not? How experts suggest dealing with Covid in India

Dristi SharmaDecember 23, 2022 | 13:09 IST

Rising cases of Covid in China have sparked concern among Indians, with new precautions on international travel and the government asking people to be cautious. All of this comes at a time when we had just about begun discarding that mask. However, experts suggest it is time to bring our old friend back.

Here's what the Indian government is saying on wearing a mask: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting with representatives of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Indian Council of Medical Research and the department of biotechnology on Wednesday, December 21. After the meeting, Niti Aayog's VK Paul advised people to mask up in crowded spaces.

Use a mask if you are in a crowded space, indoors or outdoors. This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or who are of higher age.

- Dr VK Paul

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also made a statement in the Lok Sabha yesterday, December 22, in which he said the states have been urged to ensure that people maintain Covid protocols including wearing masks, social distancing, and using sanitisers to prevent another wave of Covid.

Point to remember: Wearing a mask right now is a precaution that we must take, according to the government. However, no new norms or mask mandates have been issued by the government as of now.

While you're on a flight: The DGCA removed the mask mandate in flights in November 2022, but they also said that passengers should preferably wear so. However, there have been no further updates from the government since then.

But: You should ideally keep a mask on while you're in an airplane, which is a closed space.

Photo: People wearing masks in flight/ Rep image

What doctors are saying: The Indian Medical Association yesterday listed some steps Indians should take in light of the rising Covid cases.

Out of all the steps that include avoiding: going to crowded places or taking international trips rank higher on the list. And here's what they have to say about masks:

Face masks are to be used in all public places. While the mandate on masks is a policy matter, it is advised to use them when one suffers from a cough or shows [Covid] symptoms.

- IMA Doctors

With the festive season ahead, we need to be cautious and use masks in public. Variants may come and go and may probably emerge every day, but if you wear a mask, you may not get it.

- Dr SK Sarin

Also: Covid or no Covid, it is advisable to wear a mask while stepping out because of the rising smog and pollution.

Bottom line: Mask up in public. It is better to take all precautions possible.

READ MORE: China is struggling with Covid, alert India ramps up precautions

Last updated: December 23, 2022 | 13:10

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