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Kerala makes masks mandatory again, violators to be fined

Kerala had lifted Covid containment measures on April 7

(File) People wearing masks travel in a ferry in Kochi | AP

On account of the rising Covid-19 cases in the country, the Kerala government on Wednesday issued an order making it mandatory across the state for people to wear masks.

Individuals will now have to wear masks in public places, at their workplace, during gatherings and while travelling. Those found in violation of the order will be fined. However, the government order

doesn't specify the penalty for not wearing masks.

Kerala had lifted Covid containment measures on April 7, a fortnight after the Centre directed all states and Union territories to consider such a measure.

The Kerala government order issued then had said police will not be able to slap penalties for violation of norms. But it urged people to keep observing Covid-appropriate behaviour, like wearing of masks and hand hygiene.

The restrictions had been in place in the state since March 2020. Delhi and Tamil Nadu had recently made it mandatory again to wear masks.

(This story was first published in onmanorama.)

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