As Cases Wane, Maharashtra Decides to Remove All Covid-19 Curbs; Mask Use Is Now Optional

In the wake of the dropping viral graph, the Maharashtra Cabinet decided on Thursday to suspend all Covid-19 measures in the state, including the mandatory wearing of masks. The announcement came two years after the outbreak began. “Let’s herald in the new year (Gudi Padwa) with this significant decision,” said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in a statement announcing the elimination of the Covid restrictions in the state.

The new laws will take effect on April 2, 2020, when the clauses of the draconian Disaster Management Act and Epidemic Diseases Act, which went into effect in March 2020, will be repealed.

After the cabinet meeting, Health Minister Rajesh Tope told reporters that wearing a face mask will be optional from April 2.