Maharashtra, which was one of the worst hit states due to COVID-19, has decided to lift all pandemic-related restrictions including the compulsory wearing of masks from Saturday as the state welcomes the Marathi New Year this Gudi Padwa.
All COVID restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) March 31, 2022
The use of masks will be advised, but it will not be compulsory, the state government said.
The daily count of COVID-19 infections in the state has come down to around 100 a day and no more deaths are being reported due to the disease.
On Monday, there were 964 active cases across 35 districts. Yavatmal, Washim and Hingoli districts have zero active cases, according to the state health department.
The decision to drop all restrictions after nearly two years of the devastating Covid waves was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope told journalists.
"All COVID restrictions in Maharashtra will be lifted, as we bring in the new year this Gudi Padwa!" read a tweet from its handle, referring to the spring festival to mark the traditional Marathi New Year.
