Delhi, Mumbai make wearing face mask compulsory in public

In view of the fast spreading coronavirus infection in the country, the State Governments have started taking tough measures. The Uttar Pradesh government has sealed areas identified in the 15 districts of the state till 14 April at present. During this time curfew like restrictions will remain in force. The Delhi government has also made it mandatory for people to wear face masks when they get out of the house in the national capital. Along with this, the Maharashtra government has also made it mandatory for all people in Mumbai, Thane and Pune to wear masks when they go out of the house.

Talking about the rest of the country, mask wearing has been made mandatory in the Secretariat of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Not only this, it has also been made mandatory to apply mask in Leh district of Union Territory of Ladakh. Wearing masks is also mandatory when entering any government office in Odisha and Chandigarh. In some areas it has been said that action will be taken under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for those who do not do so. In some areas, there have also been reports of giving three reuseable masks to government employees.

Along with the imperative of wearing a mask when you get out of the house, it has been told what the mask should be like. In a release issued by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, it has been said that people can use the triple layer mask from the market. The order also states that if there is no such mask, then a three-layer face cover made of any clean cloth can also be used. This face cover can be washed and reused with soap. In case of not having a face cover, the use of a handkerchief,or a scarf, etc. can be used as a face cover.

If the mask is not applied then action will be taken

The order issued by the Government of Uttar Pradesh states that the use of N-95 mask is recommended only for medical personnel. Visiting public places outside the home without face cover will be considered a violation of the Epidemic Act 1897 and Uttar Pradesh Apedemic Disease Regulations 2020. In some other parts of the country, it has been said that action will be taken under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for those who do not wear masks outside the home. It has been said in the order that the Administrative Officer should ensure strict adherence to the above instructions.