Karnataka, Chhattisgarh bring back mask rule amid Covid-19 fourth wave scare

With Covid-19 cases on the rise in several states, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh on Monday issued fresh guidelines, making masks mandatory again in public places, while also making spitting in such places a punishable offence.

The states also revoked rules for home quarantine and social distancing.

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai held a meeting with Revenue Minister R Ashok, Health Minister K Sudhakar, Health Commissioner D Randeep, and Technical Advisory Committee members to discuss the preparedness for a possible fourth Covid wave.

Sudhakar said though masks were compulsory, there would be no fine for violating the rule.

"On April 27, PM Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with the CMs and Health Ministers of all states after which we will have another meeting and further measures will be taken," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chandigarh administration on Monday made a mask compulsory in a closed environment, and non-compliance of the order would invite a fine of Rs 500, reported IANS. The closed environment comprises public transport buses, taxis, cinema halls, malls, shops, educational institutes, all government and private offices, and all types of indoor gatherings.

Cases have been steadily increasing in the last two weeks, with Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh accounting for the most cases. Delhi recorded 6,326 cases in a week, Haryana logged 2,296 cases and Uttar Pradesh had 1,278 cases in a week, The Times of India reported.

Delhi has seen over 6,300 cases over the last week, with samples showing that the Omicron variant is driving the surge in the National capital, India Today reported. Maharashtra showed a 48% increase in cases, whereas Karnataka and West Bengal registered a spike of 71% and 66% respectively, The Times of India reported. Tamil Nadu recorded a 62% rise, whereas Rajasthan clocked a 57% increase from the previous week.