HCG Cancer Hospital urges government to make masks mandatory to fight second wave of Covid-19 in India

Bengaluru: As the country has been reporting a surge in COVID-19 positive cases, Dr. B S Ajaikumar, Chairman & CEO, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd urged government to make face mask mandatory covering nose and mouth to ensure that fellow citizens wear masks compulsorily and maintain social distancing to fight the second wave of covid-19 in India. 
 
As per the Union Health Ministry of India there are 90,95,806 COVID-19 cases, including 1,33,227 deaths, 4,40,962 active cases, and 85,21,617 recoveries. The COVID-19 pandemic is a major threat to global health and the economy, the full impact of which is yet unknown.
 
This pandemic cannot be controlled by the government alone. It needs the involvement and passion of the citizens as well. It needs clear, feasible measures that ordinary people can undertake to help reduce transmission. The lockdown has played a great role in flattening the epidemic curve this far, but it cannot go on forever. It remains an experimental intervention not just for India, but for other countries as well. Face masks while worn properly covering nose and mouth helps to protect against respiratory infections that are spread through the droplet route, and that includes coronavirus and the flu. Viruses such as the coronavirus can spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before hand washing. Wearing face masks in all working environments and public gatherings should be mandatory.
 
Urging to make usage of mask mandatory Dr. B S Ajaikumar, Chairman & CEO, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd. said “Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from reaching others. When a face mask is worn properly covering the nose and mouth, one can prevent those droplets from coming into contact with one's face or mouth before dropping to the ground. One effort that we can do to reduce the spread of the virus is to follow the health protocol issued by WHO, by using a face mask. However, these days many people don't use masks in public places. This is certainly very risky for the spread of the Covid-19 virus. A fine for not wearing masks must be considered as a viable option”.
 
He further added “Masks are a collective necessity, like obeying traffic lights. The public is much safer if virtually everyone adheres to the rules. However, mask-wearing requires a critical mass of adoption to slow down the spread of COVID-19. To be clear, masks are most effective in combination with social distancing. It would be much clearer if there was a mandate, and it seems appropriate at a time when cases are increasing. There is a big difference between encouraging mask-use and mandating it”.  
 
Therefore, as the safety, welfare and the health of our residents is the most important issue, we must do whatever we can to combat the rapidly increasing infection rates in our community.