PANAJI
Just because the Goa government declares the State mask-free, does not mean senior citizens and patients with comorbid conditions should throw their masks away, Dr Shekhar Salkar, a member of the State government's expert committee on Covid management said on Friday.
Salkar, who is also the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party's medical cell, advocated patience for a few more months, in case the fourth Covid wave makes its appearance once again.
"Just because the government says do not wear masks, you do not have to throw your masks away. (Wait) at least for another three months... Those who are sick and elderly should permanently wear masks," Salkar told reporters at the BJP's State headquarter in Panaji.
"As a doctor, I have simple advice, those who have illnesses, those who are senior citizens, those who have heart, kidney, cancer, chemotherapy patients, if they are going to hospitals, it is always safer to wear masks. If you have asthma, it is safer to wear a mask. Those who are very healthy need not wear masks," Salkar further said.
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had hinted that the State was likely to be declared mask-free, adding that respective district collectors were expected to issue orders to the effect soon. However, no such formal order has been issued by the district administration.
Salkar also said that just because neighbouring Maharashtra had declared itself as a mask-free State, it did not mean that Goa should follow suit too.
"We do not have to emulate neighbouring States. It is not compulsory to wear masks, no one is going to fine you for not wearing masks. But you need to take care of yourself. If you have a kidney ailment, will you go out without wearing a mask, just because the government says so? You have to take your own precautions," Salkar said.
"If you are in a crowded place or an air-conditioned environment, it is better to take precautions till July. The next three months are very important. Yes, even if the government says it is not compulsory to wear masks, you should take care of yourself," he added.
When asked if there was a possibility of a fourth wave hitting the shores of Goa, Salkar said: "It could come. We are all waiting. Everybody has got guess-work. That is why I am telling you, time is very important. The more the time passes, the more sure we will be that it will not come".
