Covid: Karnataka, Chhattisgarh make masks a must amid 4th wave fear

BENGALURU/RAIPUR: With the possibility of a fourth wave of Covid-19, the Karnataka and Chhattisgarh governments on Monday made it mandatory for people to maintain social distancing and wear facemasks in crowded an d indoor places.
The Karnataka government will take a call on imposing further curbs after PM Narendra Modi’s meeting with the chief ministers of all states on Wednesday.
These decisions were made at a meeting chaired by CM Basavaraj Bommai to discuss precautionary measures to be taken to combat the fourth wave of Covid. Health minister K Sudhakar, revenue ministe r R Ashoka and Technical Advisory Committee chairman and members attended the meeting.
“We’ve instructed the authorities to enforce social distancing and ensure people wear masks in crowded places. Though there are no penalties yet, people should consider the issue seriously,” Sudhakar said after the meeting.
Less than two weeks ago, in a late night order on April 12, the Chhattisgarh government had said it would no longer fine people for not wearing masks. On Sunday, however, CM Bhupesh Baghel had hinted that the state could restore Covid protocols as cases wer e rising in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and some other states.
On Monday, the government issued a circular to all divisional commissioners and district collectors to ensure implementation of Covid protocols. “Masks or face covers will be compulsory with immediate effect. Spitting at public p laces is prohibited. Social distancing norms will have to be followed in public places,” the order says.
The government has noted with concern that Covid numbers are climbing up in some states, particularly Delhi. Due to its location, Chhattisgarh sees high density of inter-state travel.