Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said that there is no need to make face masks mandatory in the state right now, but if there is an increase in new COVID-19 cases, then face coverings will be made mandatory.
Mr Tope was speaking to reporters in Aurangabad on Saturday when 155 new coronavirus cases were reported in Maharashtra as against 148 on Friday.
“The figures are rising in small places which is worrying. So, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (recently) held a meeting with the Chief Ministers of the states and asked them to be alert. Till date, there is no need for restrictions. But If the cases increase, we will have to impose restrictions and make masks mandatory,” he said.
Mr Tope said he has decided to “wait and see” for the time being.
“We need to focus on immunization against COVID-19 in the age group of 12-14 and 15-17 years. There are some challenges in this as the schools are now closed. If any protocols are issued by the Center for the age group of 6-12 years, we will implement them at a faster pace,” Mr Tope said.
The minister also said that although vaccination is not mandatory, “we have to show people the benefits of getting vaccinated and persuade them to take the job”.
Maharashtra had on April 2 lifted all COVID-19 related restrictions on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, the Marathi new year.
However, Mr Tope then urged people to voluntarily wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.