Experts now renew mask-up call

SNS, SILIGURI, 24 APRIL 2022 : With a significant drop in Covid cases, adherence to the mask-wearing rule has gone up for a toss. Public health experts have now once again requested people to keep wearing masks as most of them are not wearing them at public places.

Doctors have renewed the mask-up drive issue in view of the worrying uptick in Covid- 19 cases in some states of the country.

"Mask is one of the most effective shields, but its use is on the wane among the public. Although Covid cases have gone down significantly in our state, it is still advisable to wear a mask, especially when one is in a crowded place. It is too early to take off masks. I suggest people should keep wearing them," said the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital superintendent, Dr Sanjay Mallik. According to the president of the Siliguri branch of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics and noted paediatriacian, Dr Subir Bhowmik, masks were useful in preventing transmission. "Not only Covid, but masks are useful to prevent transmission, and can protect against other respiratory illnesses. Masks are not recommended for children aged five years and below. With the resumption of classes, children are going to schools, and the parents should make them understand and encourage them to wear masks and teachers should also follow this in schools. We need to remain alert," Dr Bhowmik said. The doctors underlined that the drop in cases and the relaxation of restrictions had led to non-compliance of the Covid-appropriate behaviour in the past few months.

"With the decline in cases, a majority of the people has dropped their guard and they barely use masks at public places. There are concerns about a spurt in Covid cases in states like Delhi and Maharashtra, and a possibility of new variants emerging.

We do not know whether the fourth wave will strike, but bidding abject farewell to all the protocols is not wise and is a cause of concern. It is safe to always have a mask on because masking and vaccination are the best tools we have today," said a public health specialist.

With the spurt in Covid cases, the Delhi government on Wednesday made masks mandatory at public places, and announced a fine of Rs 500 on violators.