Anticipated COVID Surge: Kerala Govt Makes Masks Mandatory At Public Places

Kochi: The national figures of fresh COVID-19 cases are down to three digits, but the threat of coronavirus has still not vanished completely.

The Kerala government on Monday issued an order making masks mandatory in all public places. The fresh guidelines were issued as the state is at risk of a COVID resurgence, reported PTI.

Instructing that face masks be worn in work places, markets and gatherings, the state government directed people to follow social distancing like before to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Shops, theatres and organisers of various events have been directed to arrange sanitisers for the public.

The order will remain in force in the entire state for the next 30 days.

According to Union Health Ministry data, India reported 114 fresh coronavirus infections on Monday, while the active cases declined to 2,119.

As for the XBB.1.5 variant, which has driven the surge in cases in the US, India has seen 26 cases across 11 states and Union territories so far.