Wearing face masks should be mandatory in public places: Health expert

Amid the daily spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, a health expert has advised people to wear masks and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Dr Sandeep Nayar, Pulmonologist, HOD, BLK Hospital said that masks should be made mandatory in crowded places.

“Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases, it is most important that people start wearing masks. One should wear a mask while going to any crowded place. Use double-layer masks in places like hospitals etc., as it is very effective in preventing infection,” Dr Nayar said, adding that the government should also issue advisories and should make wearing face masks mandatory in crowded places.

“Corona cases are shooting up, patients with symptoms of sore throat, cough, cold, and fever are coming to us,” the health expert said. “We are advising the patients with such symptoms to have strict home isolation for seven days,” he added.

He said that the condition of the patients is not worrisome.

“Very few patients are requiring hospitalization. Only patients suffering from some serious illness are required to be admitted to the hospital. Patients suffering from cancer, or other serious diseases are at greater risk from this variant and need to be extensively taken care of,” Dr Nayar said.

The national capital on Wednesday reported 1,149 new coronavirus cases, marking a sharp jump from Tuesday when 980 cases were reported, according to a daily bulletin issued by the Delhi Health Department.