Coronavirus update: Chhattisgarh makes face masks mandatory in public places

Legal action will be taken against those not wearing masks in public places in Chhattisgarh, the order stated.

Published on: Apr 12, 2020, 07:11:26 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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The Chhattisgarh government on Saturday made wearing face masks mandatory in public places in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus infection.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel takes stock of situation during a nationwide lockdown. (PTI Photo)

"Health experts suggested that wearing face masks is essential in the prevention and control of COVID-19. Hence, under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, Chhattisgarh Epidemic Diseases COVID-19 Regulations and Chhattisgarh Public Health Act 1949, it has been made mandatory for every person to wear a face mask in public places,” an order issued by Chhattisgarh’s health and family welfare department said.

Legal action will be taken against those not wearing masks in public places in Chhattisgarh, the order stated.

It said people can use triple layer masks available in the market or home-made face covers and that those made at home could be reused after washing properly.

Also read: Several targets missed, still no sign of rapid testing kits

"A scarf or handkerchief could also be used in place of a mask but it should cover the nose and mouth fully,” an official said.

In Chhattisgarh, 18 people have tested positive for Covid-19 till now out of which ten have been discharged from hospital.

On Thursday, after seven people who had come in contact with Tablighi Jamaat members tested positive for the coronavirus infection in Korba district, the Chhattisgarh government decided to test every resident of the affected area of the Kotghora town, which is about 70km from Bilaspur district of the state.

Also read: One in every 25 Covid-19 patients in city is a health care worker

On Saturday, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi that essential economic activities should be allowed to function within the states in case the lockdown continues after April 14.

Baghel also suggested not relaxing the existing ban on inter-state road, air and rail services in view of the increasing cases of Covid-19 in the country.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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