Wearing mask is mandatory in many Indian states

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 further, many states in India made wearing face masks mandatory.

Those who step out from their home must wear a face mask as per the orders. In other words, wearing a face mask is mandatory when you are in public.

The violators will be punished with imprisonment of up to 6 months.

Earlier Maharashtra, Delhi, Odisha and Nagaland issued directions on wearing the mask and made it mandatory for people when they step out from home.

Later, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bengal, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh issued guidelines on wearing a face mask when they are in public.

In this context, the Andhra Pradesh government announced to distribute free face masks to all citizens in the state.

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that each of nearly 5.3 crore people in the state will be given three masks.

Telangana government also decided to distribute free face masks to the citizens.

Initially, the government urged healthy people not to wear face masks as it may create scarce for face masks for the healthcare providers and other people who are in need. But later, it is suggested that even healthy people should wear face masks as the coronavirus cases are increasing in the country.

But rather than opting for surgical masks which are preferred for healthcare workers, these people are advised to wear normal masks.

It is difficult to get masks now in the market. Hence, they can cover their face with cloth or handkerchief.

They can even wear cloth masks or homemade masks when they go out to help protect the community.

There are several videos on YouTube on making a face mask. You can make your own mask by watching them.

Image Credit: Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels (free for commercial use)

Image Reference: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-wearing-black-face-mask-walking-outdoors-3985186/