Make wearing of face masks a habit, appeals Manipur CM Biren Singh

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Friday urged people in the state to wear face masks to prevent spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Singh said that wearing of mask is a very effective non-medical means of protecting ourselves against COVID-19 and various scientific studies have shown that wearing cloth face mask reduces the coronavirus infection in non-hospital settings.

While mentioning nations like Japan and Korea that have effectively controlled the spread of COVID-19, Singh informed that people in these countries have adopted wearing face masks diligently and make it a social norm.

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Since the COVID-19 cases in Manipur have surged rapidly and most cases being detected are asymptomatic, the chances of meeting an infected but asymptomatic person unknowingly is very high, he said.

The only way to reduce the infection and protect oneself is to wear face mask while stepping outside of closed room settings, Singh added.

As on Saturday, Manipur recorded total number of 143 confirmed cases for COVID-19, with cumulative active cases standing at 91. Another 32 patients have already recovered and discharged from the hospitals.

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The chief minister has also instructed all the heads of state departments and district deputy commissioners to promote and enforce wearing of face masks in all government offices and refused to entertain those visitors with no face masks.

Meanwhile, Singh also requested all business establishments and shops to ensure that its staffs and customers to wear face mask to provide adequate protection.

To facilitate a safer and smoother transition towards relaxation of lockdown measures and resumption of livelihood activities, let us take a pledge to wear face masks whenever we leave our house, Singh added.

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