Rise in Covid-19 cases: What Mumbaikars think about mask mandate

On Wednesday, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said wearing of masks in crowded places could be made mandatory again in Maharashtra

Rise in Covid-19 cases: What Mumbaikars think about mask mandate

Representative image. Pic/iStock

Amid a rise in Covid-19 cases in the country, several states like Kerala, Karnataka, Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana have made make masks mandatory again. Mumbai too is witnessing a rise in daily cases. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) bulletin, the city reported 102 fresh Covid-19 cases on April 26, the highest single-day rise after February 27 this year. On Wednesday, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said wearing of masks in crowded places could be made mandatory again in Maharashtra.

Mid-day Digital spoke to several Mumbaikars on mask compulsion and here's what they said:

Abbas Jemani, Iron and Steel trader from Bandra,

"Since mandatory mask rule was withdrawn, many people think the pandemic has subsided, but it is not. People have stopped wearing masks even in public places, ignoring the fact that not only them, but their families are also at risk. I think masks should be made mandatory in public places at least."

Varun Chibber, Colaba based Developer and Social Worker

"We know that masks have been helpful in the past. For now, the cases as we are seeing are under control, but if we do not take Covid protocols seriously, the cases may increase. Even schools and colleges have been reopened, which means, children too are at risk. I believe masks should be made mandatory again to evade another wave."

Abbas Jemani (L), Varun Chibber (M), Mithun Dalvi

Mustafa Khan, Businessman from Byculla

"Due to work-related meetings, I have to meet people. As a precaution, I always wear a mask even though it is not a compulsion in Mumbai. I see people without masks even in public transport. People should be more responsible, even the government should rethink about mask compulsion."

Mithun Madan Dalvi, Sales Profession, Borivli

"I think masks should not be made mandatory because it is the responsibility of people to maintain their safety. I wear a mask in public places and do not wear it at places where it is less crowded. It is equally important to get sufficient oxygen too."

Ahad Khatri, Import-Export Businessman, Andheri West,

"I think the decision to wear a mask or not shall be left to people. Mumbaikars have seen the maximum damage due to covid, hence it becomes each one's responsibility to take care of themselves. Making masks mandatory is not necessary."