Karnataka govt clarifies on use of mask

PTI, Mar 31, 2020, 1:10 PM IST

Bengaluru: With many departmental stores, shops and establishments insisting on people to wear masks, Karnataka government on Tuesday clarified that as a rule, everyone need not wear a mask.

The Commissionerate of Health and Family Welfare Services in an advisory said a person is supposed to wear mask only when he or she has symptoms of cold or cough or fever or any other respiratory problem.

It said a person who is caring for COVID-19 suspect or confirmed patient should wear a mask.

Also, a health worker who is attending to a patient with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask.

The advisory also noted that those treating or handling COVID-19 suspects or patients need to wear an N95 mask, while others can wear triple-layer surgical mask.

The advisory from the Commissionerate has come amid shops and establishments, also police on road insisting people to wear masks when they venture out.