Kerala reintroduces mandatory wearing of masks; violations to attract fine

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid reports of a rise in Covid cases in several parts of the country, and of the world, the Kerala government on Wednesday mandated wearing of face masks. The rule applies to public places, work places, and during transport, compulsory.

The order in this regard also states that the failure to wear masks will attract fine under the Disaster Management Act though it does not state the amount of fine.

The state had previously eased several Covid-19 restrictions due to the significant fall in the number of cases. However, although there has not been any express withdrawal of the mandatory face mask rule, people by and large have been moving away from the habit over the last few months and weeks.

The move toes the line taken by states like Delhi, which has seen a sudden spurt in confirmed Covid infections, Tamil Nadu and Punjab all of which made wearing masks compulsory again.

State Health Minister Veena George on Monday had also stressed on the importance of wearing masks and boosting awareness campaigns even as she allayed concerns about rise in caseload. The Minister said there is no need for concern in Kerala and there was no cluster in the State.

"There is no need for concern in Kerala but we will continue to remain vigilant since other States are reporting an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Instructions have been issued to closely monitor the situations in the districts. Only Kochi has witnessed a slight increase in cases," the George had said.