Maharashtra lifts all Covid-related curbs as cases fall, makes masks optional

Maharashtra recorded 119 fresh cases of the virus on Wednesday and two new related deaths, according to last updated data.

The Maharashtra government on Thursday withdrew all restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting held during the day. According to reports, using of mask was made optional for citizens.

File photo of a health worker collecting swab sample at a station in Maharashtra. (Pratik Chorge/HT Photo)

The Uddhav Thackeray-led government revoked the Epidemic Diseases Act and Disaster Management Act that had been in force for the last two years.

Housing minister Jitendra Awhad shared a tweet in this regard. The chief minister's office said the new rules will be effective from April 2.

Most of the related-restrictions had been lifted over the past few days in the wake of declining cases.

Later, health minister Rajesh Tope said, “We can't say that Covid has been eradicated, I request that people wear masks. This'll be a choice, it won't be mandatory anymore.”

119 fresh cases of the virus on Wednesday and two new related deaths. As many as 138 patients were discharged following recovery. The state now has 939 active cases.

The coronavirus pandemic had wreaked havoc in the state in its first two waves. The state had seen a massive rise in fresh tallies in the recent past that was driven by the Omicron variant of the virus.

(With inputs from bureau and agencies)