Mumbai may have to run for cover once again, with COVID-19 cases rising. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has stated that the mask mandate may come in if cases continue to rise. Currently, the CM has stated that though it is not mandatory to wear a mask as yet, it is highly recommended.

When masks were made voluntary some months ago, to cheers all around, this paper had highlighted how Coronavirus is an evolving situation. We can and should expect rollbacks to earlier more stringent behaviour given that if there was one certainty about the virus, it was its uncertainty. More importantly, if there is a call for going back to past mandates, it is vital we adhere, rather than stand foolishly and dangerously obdurate.