New Delhi: With a significant decline in daily Covid-19 infections and total active caseload across the country, several states - including Maharashtra, Delhi and West Bengal - on Thursday announced relaxations, two years after the Coronavirus pandemic curbs were clamped.
While Maharashtra decided to lift all Covid-19 restrictions, including no restrictions on public movement, Delhi stated that there will be no fine for not wearing face masks in public places.
Even Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government announced that all Covid-induced restrictions in the state would stand withdrawn from midnight.
The announcements come as a massive relief for citizens who have been reeling under the pressure to adhere to the rules imposed by both Central and state governments to contain the spread of the deadly virus that has so far killed over 5 lakh people in the country.
India on Thursday reported 1,225 fresh Covid-19 infections, a marginal fall from the previous day's count of 1,233 cases. The nation also logged 28 Covid-related deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the toll to 5,21,129.
Here's A Look At What Changes From April In Terms Of Covid Curbs
Maharashtra
Almost after two years of stringent restrictions, Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government has decided to do away with all Covid-related curbs including the mandatory wearing of masks in Maharashtra from April 1.
All COVID-19 related restrictions under the Epidemic Diseases Act and Disaster Management Act will be withdrawn, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope announced.
Wearing of face mask will be voluntary from April 2.
Additionally, there will be no restrictions on public movement, social, religious or political gatherings, weddings, funerals, visits to malls, cinemas, shopping plazas, travelling by trains, buses, among others.
The state government, however, has recommended physical distancing and voluntary wearing of face-masks as a precaution, though there will be no penalties for defaulters.
Delhi
Following suit, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), too, announced that there will be no fine for not wearing face masks in public places in the national capital.
Currently, a person not wearing a face mask in public places is bound to pay a fine of Rs 500.
The DDMA, however, said that it will issue an advisory for people, asking them to wear masks at crowded places.
West Bengal
Just like Maharashtra and Delhi, the West Bengal government too announced that all curbs related to Coronavirus would stand withdrawn from midnight across the state.
The government, however, stressed on the use of masks and hygiene maintenance.
"Advisory in respect of health and hygiene protocols including wearing of masks at all the time, hand hygiene and sanitisation of public places shall continue to be strictly observed until further orders," West Bengal government order read.
The order also stated that district administration, police commissioners and local authorities shall ensure strict compliance of health and hygiene protocols and advisory on Covid appropriate behaviour.