Maharashtra lifting all Covid curbs from Saturday, masks won’t be a must any more

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Maharashtra, which was one of the worst hit states due to COVID-19, has decided to lift all pandemic-related restrictions including the compulsory wearing of masks from Saturday as the state welcomes the Marathi New Year this Gudi Padwa.</p>
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All COVID restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!</p>
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1509502637057933313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The use of masks will be advised, but it will not be compulsory, the state government said.</p>
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The daily count of COVID-19 infections in the state has come down to around 100 a day and no more deaths are being reported due to the disease.</p>
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On Monday, there were 964 active cases across 35 districts. Yavatmal, Washim and Hingoli districts have zero active cases, according to the state health department.</p>
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The decision to drop all restrictions after nearly two years of the devastating Covid waves was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope told journalists.</p>
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"All COVID restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!" read a tweet from its handle, referring to the spring festival to mark the traditional Marathi New Year.</p>