MUMBAI: Residents cannot step out anymore without wearing a mask. Violation of the order could mean arrest and a case under section 188 of the IPC (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant), which has a minimum punishment of six months’ imprisonment.
The mask must be at least three-ply or a homemade one. The order, issued by municipal commissioner Praveen Pardeshi on Wednesday “in larger public interest”, applies to citizens as well as government officials. It mandates wearing of masks in public places like roads, hospitals, offices, and markets under Rule 10 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. It is mandatory even when moving in one’s personal or official vehicle. No person/officer can attend any meeting, gathering, workplace, site without wearing a mask.
The state government’s general administration department has also made masks mandatory for all staff in the Mumbai and Pune metropolitan regions. They must be worn from the time of entry to exiting a public office, said Tuesday’s circular. Masks are already mandatory at Mantralaya.
Dr Jayanti Shastri, head of the Kasturba Molecular Lab, said with asymptomatic infection increasing, wearing a mask was important. “When a person talks, coughs or sneezes, there are droplets. The mask ensures the droplets do not fall on anybody or on a surface. It protects others from getting an infection,” she said.
Dr Samir Dalwai, national joint secretary, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, said the mask is especially meant to protect those around a person. “The mask decreases the incidents of viral shedding and thus reduces the spread of infection,” he said.
Activist Zoru Bhathena said the rule was welcome, but BMC needs to implement it properly. “There are labourers working on the coastal road project and they have not been provided with basic protective gear,” he said.
Policemen, among highrisk groups as they patrol streets, got plastic shields to cover their faces only last week. In all, 26,000 shields are being provided.
In Mulund market, a group of shopkeepers has taken the onus of reminding citizens to wear masks. Those without masks are embarrassed when they are pulled up and quickly cover their face with kerchiefs or dupattas.
(With inputs from Ahmed Ali and Somit Sen)
The mask must be at least three-ply or a homemade one. The order, issued by municipal commissioner Praveen Pardeshi on Wednesday “in larger public interest”, applies to citizens as well as government officials. It mandates wearing of masks in public places like roads, hospitals, offices, and markets under Rule 10 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. It is mandatory even when moving in one’s personal or official vehicle. No person/officer can attend any meeting, gathering, workplace, site without wearing a mask.
The state government’s general administration department has also made masks mandatory for all staff in the Mumbai and Pune metropolitan regions. They must be worn from the time of entry to exiting a public office, said Tuesday’s circular. Masks are already mandatory at Mantralaya.
Dr Jayanti Shastri, head of the Kasturba Molecular Lab, said with asymptomatic infection increasing, wearing a mask was important. “When a person talks, coughs or sneezes, there are droplets. The mask ensures the droplets do not fall on anybody or on a surface. It protects others from getting an infection,” she said.
Dr Samir Dalwai, national joint secretary, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, said the mask is especially meant to protect those around a person. “The mask decreases the incidents of viral shedding and thus reduces the spread of infection,” he said.
Activist Zoru Bhathena said the rule was welcome, but BMC needs to implement it properly. “There are labourers working on the coastal road project and they have not been provided with basic protective gear,” he said.
Policemen, among highrisk groups as they patrol streets, got plastic shields to cover their faces only last week. In all, 26,000 shields are being provided.
In Mulund market, a group of shopkeepers has taken the onus of reminding citizens to wear masks. Those without masks are embarrassed when they are pulled up and quickly cover their face with kerchiefs or dupattas.
(With inputs from Ahmed Ali and Somit Sen)
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