Maharashtra drops all Covid-19 restrictions from Saturday, including wearing masks
While the govt advised the people to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, wearing a mask is no more mandatory but has been made optional.
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Mumbai, April 1: The Maharashtra government decided to withdraw all Covid-19 restrictions imposed under the Disaster Management Act and Epidemic Diseases Act in the state from Saturday, when Gudi Padwa, Maharashtrian New Year, will be celebrated.
The decision of lifting all restrictions was taken in the state Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Uddhav Thackeray, who issued instructions to the administration to issue an order in this regard immediately.
“Gudi Padwa is the beginning of the new year. This is the day to start a new work by keeping aside the old one. For the last two years, we have successfully battled the deadly coronavirus, and today it seems to be fading. To make a fresh start, the restrictions imposed during the corona period under the Disaster Management Act as well as the Epidemic Diseases Act are being completely lifted from Gudi Padwa (April 2),” said Thackeray, in a statement issued.
Sources in the government said that the restrictions could be imposed again in case there is an increase in Covid-19 cases in the state.
As of March 29, there are 960 active cases in the state. While 189 patients are admitted to the hospital, 771 are asymptomatic.
“But this doesn’t mean people should be complacent… they need to be careful. Although it is not mandatory to wear a mask, people are advised to wear masks wherever they can to take care of themselves and others… so, we can celebrate upcoming festivals with full enthusiasm,” he added.
While the govt advised the people to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, wearing a mask is no more mandatory but has been made optional.
The decision will pave the way for grand celebrations of upcoming festivals such as Gudi Padwa, Ramzan, Ram Navami and the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, among others.
The decision of lifting all restrictions was taken in the state Cabinet meeting chaired by CM Uddhav Thackeray, who issued instructions to the administration to issue an order in this regard immediately.
“Gudi Padwa is the beginning of the new year. This is the day to start a new work by keeping aside the old one. For the last two years, we have successfully battled the deadly coronavirus, and today it seems to be fading. To make a fresh start, the restrictions imposed during the corona period under the Disaster Management Act as well as the Epidemic Diseases Act are being completely lifted from Gudi Padwa (April 2),” said Thackeray, in a statement issued.
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However, he added that to prevent future outbreaks of Covid-19, people need to wear masks, follow social distancing and get vaccinated. “People should take care of themselves and others by following Covid-appropriate behaviour,” said Thackeray.
Sources in the government said that the restrictions could be imposed again in case there is an increase in Covid-19 cases in the state.
As of March 29, there are 960 active cases in the state. While 189 patients are admitted to the hospital, 771 are asymptomatic.
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Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that with the Cabinet decision to lift all restrictions, rules like mandatory double vaccination and wearing of a mask no longer apply.
“But this doesn’t mean people should be complacent… they need to be careful. Although it is not mandatory to wear a mask, people are advised to wear masks wherever they can to take care of themselves and others… so, we can celebrate upcoming festivals with full enthusiasm,” he added.