COVID update: These Indian states bring back restrictions

India is witnessing a rise in COVID cases from the past week, and a nationwide COVID mock drill is also being carried out across different states and union territories. Following this, some of the states have also brought in COVID-related protocols to keep the virus at bay.

Read on to know which states have implemented COVID rules to ensure you have hassle-free travel if you have to.

As the Covid positivity rate is on the rise, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has issued an advisory, urging people to not step out in public places if they have flu-like symptoms. He also added that cases will likely rise in the coming days owing to Delhi’s high population density.

Haryana has brought back the mandatory face mask rule in view of the rising COVID cases in the state. In its new guidelines, the state government has mandated that people should definitely wear masks in gatherings of more than 100 people. Also, Covid testing has been made mandatory for those arriving with cough and cold at hospitals across the state. If you are travelling to Haryana, and develop flu-like symptoms, do note that you will have to undergo COVID tests.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has made face masks mandatory for all patients, employees, and visitors in all civic-run hospitals. It has also advised citizens above 60 years of age to mandatorily wear face masks in crowded places as a precautionary measure.

Amid sudden rise in the COVID cases in the state, Health Minister Veena George has announced that masks are mandatory for all those with lifestyle diseases. The Minister, after holding a high-level meeting to review the situation, urged people to be more cautious and follow COVID protocols to keep the virus at bay.

The Puducherry administration has also recently made mask wearing compulsory in public places like on the parks, beach road, and theatres, with immediate effect due to the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. Reports have it that those working in hotels, hospitals, restaurants, liquor shops, entertainment sectors, hospitality, government offices and commercial establishments should compulsorily wear masks. Establishments have also been asked to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure cent per cent vaccination.