Wearing masks not mandatory anymore in flights in India
Darpan News Desk IANS, 16 Nov, 2022 01:57 PM
New Delhi, Nov 16 (IANS) Keeping in view the declining cases of Covid-19 in the country, the government on Wednesday removed mandatory requirement to wear masks in flights.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said that the decision has been taken following a review meeting on the issue with the Ministry of Health.
"The matter, regarding the requirement for mandatory use of masks or face covers during air travel, has been reviewed in consultation with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
"In line with the Government of India's policy of graded approach of Covid-19 management response, the in-flight announcements henceforth may only mention that in view of the threat posed by Covid-19, all passengers should preferably use mask/face covers," the Ministry said in an office memorandum.
The Ministry said that any reference of fine need not be announced with regard to use of masks. "Any specific reference to fine/penal action need not be announced as part of the in-flight announcements. Hence, consolidated Covid-19 instructions for domestic and international air travel issued for passengers, airport operators and airlines issued vide order dated May 10, 2022 stands modified to that extent," it said.
In June this year, the airlines were asked to ensure that all passengers wear face masks properly and continue to wear the mask throughout the journey and masks could be removed under exceptional circumstances and for permitted reasons only.
Joining the issue, newly-appointed state Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring targeted Mann over the Centre's interfering in the state's law and order matters in the context of the Punjab Governor's visits to the border areas.
On examination of their check-in-baggage, 43 gold cut-bits of 24k purity, weighing 2.493 kg and valued at Rs 1.20 crore, were found wrapped around laptop chargers with adhesive tapes.
The incident took place at Kusupur village in the state's Cuttack district. Accused Shiba Prasad Sahoo (42) confessed to the crime through a video message and sent it to his village sarpanch and few others. He later surrendered before Balichandrapur police in Jajpur district.
According to a source, the meeting continued for two hours around and both CMs discussed how to give free 300 units of electricity in Punjab - as promised by the party in its election campaign.
The Left alliance members accused the ABVP of forcefully imposing a ban on non vegetarian food at the Kaveri Hostel in the campus while the ABVP alleged that the members of the Left alliance including the NSUI were not allowing them to conduct a Pooja and Havan programme on the occasion of Ram Navami.
Two people were declared dead and several others injured after two cable cars in a ropeway collided with each other at the Trikut hills close to Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar on Sunday.
