Maharashtra to lift all Covid-19 restrictions from Apr 2, mask won't be compulsory

Mumbai, Mar 31 (PTI) After more than two years, all pandemic-related restrictions including the mandatory wearing of masks would be lifted in Maharashtra from April 2, the state government announced on Thursday.

By lifting restrictions on the use of masks in public places, Maharashtra becomes the first state in the country to make masks optional.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Health Minister Rajesh Tope told reporters.

“From Gudhi Padwa (Marathi New Year which falls on April 2 this time), all COVID-19 related restrictions under the Epidemic Diseases Act and Disaster Management Act will be withdrawn,” Tope said.

Wearing of face mask will be voluntary from April 2, he said. 

On Thursday, Maharashtra recorded 183 fresh cases of Covid-19 and two related deaths, besides 219 recoveries. Maharashtra now has 902 active cases. The state was severely hit by the pandemic during the first two waves in the recent past. It saw a sudden rise again owing to the Omicron variant of the virus.