With effect from Saturday, Maharashtra removes all COVID restrictions, including masks

The state government of Maharashtra, which among other states experienced the worst effects of Covid, has rescinded its pandemic-related restrictions as it welcomes the Marathi New Year. Masks should be worn, but it is not mandatory, according to the state government.

In both Bengal and Delhi, masks have been taken off the "mandatory" list, though their use is recommended in crowded areas.

In Maharashtra, the announcement came from Uddhav Thackeray's office.

"All COVID restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!" the tweet called attention to the spring festival marking the Hindu New Year for Marathi and Konkani people.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope told reporters that the decision to drop restrictions after nearly two years was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by the Chief Minister.

Covid infections have dropped to around 100 a day in the state and no new fatalities have been reported.

As of Monday, there were 964 active cases across 35 districts, but there were none in Yavatmal, Washim, or Hingoli, according to the state's health department.

State health officials reported 78,73,619 cases of infection and 1,47,780 deaths since the epidemic began in 2020.

Similarly, the country's Covid figures have dropped in the past few months. Within the last 24 hours, the country reported 1,225 new cases of Coronavirus, a decrease of 14,307. The number of deaths rose to 5,21,129 with 28 new deaths.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, last year's biggest festival, Maharashtra banned processions and physical darshan at pandals, after suffering the brunt of Covid during its first and second waves.