This story is from June 23, 2022

Patna: People roam around without mask despite rise in Covid cases

People continue to roam around in the city without wearing face masks despite rise in Covid cases in the state over the last few days. The state health department on Monday reported 35 new Covid cases, taking the active cases to 312 across the state.
Patna: People roam around without mask despite rise in Covid cases
The state health department on Monday reported 35 new Covid cases, taking the active cases to 312 across the state.
PATNA: People continue to roam around in the city without wearing face masks despite rise in Covid cases in the state over the last few days.
The state health department on Monday reported 35 new Covid cases, taking the active cases to 312 across the state. But people remain negligent despite being aware that mask is the most effective way to curb the spread of Covid virus.
After the state government relaxed restrictions, even the shopping malls, shops and other public establishments have done away with the mandatory face masks before entry.
People in large numbers could be seen without face masks at religious places like Mahavir Mandir and Iskon Temple. Maurya Lok and Station Road among other commercial hotspots have the same scene of people roaming without mask or taking safety precautions.
“We are now used to living with this Covid. So, fear is almost gone and wearing mask is uncomfortable in summer. Even if Covid returns, I don’t think it will be as strong as the first or second wave,” said Riya Prakash, a resident of Boring Road area.
Shivam Kumar, a resident of Exhibition Road area, said: “I have taken my booster dose against Covid. So, I feel confident that now I don’t need to fear as it has least chances of affecting me. Moreover, since everything is normalized now, I don’t think we need to wear mask as rarely anyone is wearing it. So, it feels odd to wear a mask.”
Health experts, however, caution people to avoid such complacency. “Lots of complacence and overconfidence is being seen in flouting Covid-appropriate behaviour, especially in Patna. This careless behavior was the reason for the upsurge during the previous waves of Covid. This time, Covid is also attacking children. Therefore, if you have to stop the next wave to arrive, two things are very necessary -- wearing mask and maintaining social distancing,” said Dr Arun Shah, a noted Muzaffarpur-based paediatrician.
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