Wearing mask no longer mandatory, Noida Extension reacts

The Delhi disaster management authority (DDMA) has further relaxed the covid guidelines after reviewing the current covid situation, with the decline in coronavirus cases. The Delhi Government has said that there will be no fine for not wearing face masks in public places in the national capital.

Earlier the Central Government had issued an advisory asking the states and Union Territories to consider discontinuing containment measures because of the sharp decline in fresh cases.

DDMA decides to do away with fine for not wearing masks in public places: Official sources

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 31, 2022

For two years and more, the mask had been a part of life for everyone in public places. To implement this, wearing a mask was made mandatory in public places. Finally, with this order, one can think that the dark cloud of Covid has somewhat passed.

CitySpidey talked to residents from Noida Extension to learn their thoughts on the subject. We received a mixed response. While some are happy with the order, others feel masks should still be compulsory as the pandemic is not over yet.

Shivangi Saraswat, a resident of 14th Avenue says, “Government has said that mask is not mandatory just now and is optional, but did the government say that Covid is over? I will put on a mask till Covid gets wiped away totally.”

Manish Kumar, Senior Vice President-NEFOWA and resident of Supertech Ecovillage-1 says, “Covid is almost over. From today onwards, UP Government has removed 'mandatory' Covid rules and made them optional. Schools, Colleges, malls, theatres, offices - all are opening. While this is good news, we must still remain cautious." He continues, “Although UP Govt has removed mask rule, NEFOWA urges students to regularly wear the mask in schools and school buses and all residents to wear the mask in any crowded area especially in malls & markets, buses and metros.”

Also read | DDMA lifts all Covid restrictions in Delhi

Sumit Kumar Dikshit, Centre Manager, Aadhar Sewa Kendra says, “Mask is not generating any revenue for anyone, it is for our safety. On our gate, it is affixed and will remain affixed for everyone’s safety- ‘No mask No entry’ till the pandemic ends. Wearing a mask does not cost much, and must be followed as you can never be sure about Covid infections."

Dheeraj David resident of Mahagun Mywoods says, “I don't think Covid is over. The threat can be seen as China and Europe are witnessing new variants of the Covid virus. We request the government to not lift this safety covid protocol, as this can spread the covid speedily."

Rohan Kaushik, Delivery Boy of Dominos says, “Mask is very important for me. It protects me from the dirt, and pollution and certainly, Covid. I keep myself safe, and wherever I go for pizza delivery I make sure that both parties have a mask on."

Rajiva Singh, President, NOFAA says, “As responsible citizens, masks should continue to be in practice in crowded gatherings as a self-discipline measure. We all know that vaccination immunization stays for a limited period and our exposure risk with passing time increases. It would be a good practice that we continue with masks and make them part of our new normal, especially in closed crowded environments and also in crowded public places”

Rahul Garg, resident of Valencia Homes says, “After this decision, the onus to be vigilant and responsible falls on us. Everyone is requested to follow physical distance as much as possible in public places and wear masks so that you will not only protect yourself but also the ones around you."

Jyoti Jaiswal, resident of Ecovillage 2 says, “Now the time has come that the entire country should be made mask free. This is the right time as cases have considerably reduced, and vaccinations are in full swing. Not everyone notices it but masks are polluting the environment." She continues, " But if the cases of corona ever increase in the future, then masks should be made mandatory again. This will send the right message to the people about the importance of masks and they will know that it is not necessary to wear a mask all the time.”