Health minister Rajesh Tope has denied reports of the government making mask use mandatory. He said the advisory issued by the state health secretary has been misinterpreted, and it is nothing but a suggestion that the district and municipal heads make an appeal to the people in the wake of a sudden surge in the Covid-19 cases.

“A word ‘must’ used in the secretary’s letter in regards to wearing masks in closed places doesn’t mean a compulsion or penal action. It should be taken as an appeal and the media should also convey the same to the people,” Tope told mediapersons on Saturday.