NEW DELHI: The Union Health Ministry and health experts have advised people to keep wearing masks even though cases and fines have been excluded as the Centre has lifted Covid restrictions which were imposed from March 31 under the National Disaster Prevention Act. Mask became a part of public life exactly two years ago.

The Union Home Ministry has decided to exempt the Disaster Management Act as the spread of disease became lower. In a letter to the chief secretaries, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said the move was in view of the sharp fall in Covid rates for seven weeks.

Restrictions imposed by the Union Ministry of Health and the State Governments will continue. Continue wearing a mask, follow social distancing and sanitize your hands. Restrictions can be tightened at the local level in case of a Covid outbreak.

Daily Covid cases decreased to 23,913, test positivity rate became 0.28% and 181.56 crore dose vaccines were given. The restrictions have been lifted following this situation.

'A new order will be issued in the state clarifying the usage of the mask. Chief Minister and the Covid High Authority will decide after discussion whether the mask should be relaxed or not.' said Dr.V P Joy, Chief Secretary

IMA Secretary Dr Joseph Benever said that the mask usage should continue and it is not the time to change that. The matter will be brought to the notice of the State Government.