New Delhi: The abrupt easing of Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviour and other associated limitations is not good since the pandemic is not ended, said Dr Sunila Garg, member of the Lancet Commission and Covid-19 Task Force, on Saturday.
"Mask mandates must continue in crowded places. Since everybody is tired of wearing masks, not fining them would lead to more people ditching them, which is not good as the pandemic is yet not over. Some parts of the world are facing another outbreak threat", Dr Garg was quoted by IANS in its report.
According to Dr Garg, there should be an integrated strategy to lifting the Covid limits.
"Mask doesn't stop Covid infection only, but it also prevents other airborne infections, pollution and other respiratory illnesses. Masks must be continued", she said.
Removing mask regulations will result in a significant prevalence of tuberculosis and drug-resistant tuberculosis, since such cases were kept under control for the past two years due to masks, according to Dr Garg.
Despite a rapid increase in Covid infection over the world, India is on a declining trend. States such as Maharashtra, Delhi, Telangana, and West Bengal have indicated that the Covid-19 regulations will be relaxed beginning in April.
In an order issued on Friday, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority said that no penalty will be enforced for not wearing a mask in the national capital with immediate effect. It has, however, advocated its continuing use in congested areas.
"Now DDMA has decided that it is advisable for the public to wear masks in public places, however, no penalty will be imposed for not wearing them till further orders", said DDMA in its official order.
Dr Jacob John, Epidemiologist at CMC Vellore, told IANS that while a mask might reduce the risk of infection, it cannot prevent another wave. A mask will not prevent the emergence of the new Covid variant.
"Fines are improper ways of controlling the people. Masks do decrease respiratory secretions and protect the people, but it should be recommended, not enforced", he said.
Dr John went on to say that it should be worn in busy settings since it not only protects Covid infection but also pneumonia, allergies, pollution, and a variety of other maladies.
(With IANS Inputs)