With the country almost becoming free from the Covid threat, the restrictions are being lifted one by one. With this, the mask mandate will also soon come to an end. The government is preparing to direct the police not to file a case for not wearing a mask. The Center has already issued a circular to the states in this regard. With the state government planning to issue a new order by clarifying everything, we can expect that many restrictions, including the mask mandate, will be soon lifted.

Medical experts say that although no case will be registered against anyone for not wearing a mask, it is advisable to continue the practice for a while for safety reasons. Whether or not Covid strikes back, it will be best to continue using the mask until full protection is reached. The mask not only protects us against germs but also from dust.

In addition to removing the mask mandate, the government should also be ready to drop cases filed by the police in this regard. It is learnt that more than 12 lakh people have been booked in the state for not wearing masks. Lakhs of people are also booked for violating other Covid regulations. One can only imagine the trouble caused if all this went to court. The state government received more than Rs 140 crore in fines for violating the regulations. About five and a half lakh people were arrested. The government must act appropriately to free the courts from the Covid cases, which is already bearing the weight of several other cases.

We have gone through some horrific experiences in the last two years. Even as we rejoice in the fact that the pandemic has subsided, we must remember that we still have not reached a situation where we can completely avoid the preventive measures. Everyone must try to follow self restrictions in at least a small way. Humans got the opportunity to learn several things in the last two years. Humans are coming forward in an unprecedented way to share in the joys and sorrows of their fellow humans and to help those in distress. Many people lost their loved ones. It was a relief to know that the impact of the third wave was not as deadly as it had been feared. Let us pray that Covid does not come again to our lives. Experts have warned that a fourth wave is likely to hit by mid-June. That is not a warning to be rejected. We need to heed the warning given by the medical community. Vigilance and care must continue.