No Discussion On Making Maharashtra Mask-Free: Health Minister Rajesh Tope

Referring to the decision made by some western countries to allow people to do away with the face coverings, Tope said that it needs to be studied scientifically

New Delhi: In view of declining cases of Covid-19 the Maharashtra state government has eased COVID-19 restrictions in the recent past, but people should continue to wear face masks and follow other precautionary measures, said Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday.

The Maharashtra government has introduced many relaxations in the last few weeks and it will introduce more in the coming days. However, it does not mean that people need not wear masks in the coming days, said Tope on Thursday 

Referring to the decision made by some western countries to allow people to do away with the face coverings, Tope said that it needs to be studied scientifically.

He clarified that there had been no discussion yet on making Maharashtra mask-free and urged people to continue wearing masks and follow other precautionary measures.

He said there has been communication regarding the same between the State and the Union government's task force.

The Minister also added that there was no need to impose any further restrictions in coming days while talking to reporters in Kolhapur, reports news agency PTI.

"It is not necessary to impose additional restrictions in the coming days, as the daily COVID-19 cases are on a decline, he said.

As Mumbai witnessed a significant drop in COVID-19 cases, Mayor Kishori Pednekar on Tuesday had hinted that the city will be unlocked by the end of this month and stressed the need for resumption of all activities.

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On Wednesday, Maharashtra recorded 7,142 fresh cases of Covid-19, 1,035 more than the day before. The death toll in the state rose by 92 and reached 1,43,247, as per the state health department.