The face masks have played an important role in curbing the coronavirus cases along with vaccines. But, it has come to light that with the declining fresh daily cases, adherence to the mask habit has been on the wane in the city along with other COVID-related protocols.
Now, it has come to light that Mumbaikars may have to continue using a face mask for another "10 to 12 months", experts suggested.
This statement came as Europe is now again reeling under a new wave of coronavirus. Doctors said that people in Mumbai would do well if they continue wearing a face mask even in 2022.
The state government’s task force of COVID-19 stated that masks have to be used to supplement protection provided by vaccines. One must continue to wear a mask even if we finish one whole round of vaccination (comprising two shots).
Even if there is no third wave across the nation, face masks will be needed for another six months at least, said a senior doctor with a state government-run medical college.
Meanwhile, American expert Dr A Fauci and philanthropist Bill Gates have also on different occasions mentioned that face masks will have to be used until the end of 2022.
According to reports, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has collected around INR 80 crore in fines from people who failed to wear a mask in public.
Considering from the lessons in the past, India has followed Europe after a two-to three-month gap. But as Delta (which caused the second wave in India) and its derivatives are the only variants in circulation in India, said a senior doctor from a BMC-run hospital. Though experts believe there is no cause for worry till a new variant with high transmissibility comes about.
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