Wearing of masks in public

The Government has made it mandatory for people to wear face masks in public places, offices, as also inside one's own car, in times of COVID 19 pandemic. This directive is not helping the cause at all. Whereas wearing of masks is rather precautionary, it only gives a false sense of security. At the same time, policeman is harassing citizens for not wearing masks and imposing fines. The Government, at least after two months of enforcement of national lockdown, must realize that unilateral decisions and implementations thereof, is adding to uncalled for miseries to the public. The Government has to take the citizens into confidence, and take along the very people which elected it, in the very first place. Dictatorial and me too (copying strategy of rich countries) approach is harming the nation beyond repair.

Not all citizens are used to wear facial masks in a proper way. Moreover, improper use of facial masks can rather lead to health hazards. Maintenance of basic hygiene, frequent washing of hands and face, social distancing, cleanliness of masks is even more important than just wearing of masks. There is no point tom tomming lesser number of affected persons as a success of the steps of the Government, when the number of affected persons is higher than China, and continuously on the increase.

Even Beijing, the Chinese capital, has withdrawn the compulsory wearing of masks with effect from May 18, 2020. The aim should be to take steps for involvement and active participation of citizens, rather brazen implementation of archaic laws like Epidemic Act 1897, which is not helping the cause.

D Bhutia,

Guwahati