Why use of face masks by everyone outside their homes is still mandatory during the COVID-19 pandemic!

Has the Indian public’s disregard for COVID-19 pandemic-related government recommendations undone the good work done so far? While happy with national unlocking and returning to routine activities, most of us have grown complacent in our duties in following currently existing guidelines for containing the pandemic. No government or health-care professional can enforce following mandatory practices to contain the pandemic – including simple and fundamental aspects such as good hand hygiene, physical distancing, and use of face masks. Regular and diligent use of face masks is not only required by law but is also vital to the national effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. All concerns and objections to the regular use of face masks are illogical, irrational, and fade into oblivion when compared to the proven benefits of using them. Every citizen should understand that following these guidelines mandated by law are vital to save yourself, your immediate family, your friends, and also the community at large. Those who do not follow them (especially when in a government office or health-care facility) are committing the dual crime akin to suicide and murder.