UP Government To Distrubute Over 66 Crore Free Masks

By FnF Correspondent | PUBLISHED: 04, Apr 2020, 19:24 pm IST | UPDATED: 04, Apr 2020, 19:25 pm IST

Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to distribute free masks to the poor amid the COVID-19 crisis. Almost 66 crore masks will be distributed to the poor in different parts of the state. With the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the country, it has become necessary for people to wear masks while stepping out of their homes.

The washable masks are made out of a special Khadi Fabric and can be reused even after the lockdown. The decision for the distribution was taken by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the morning today after a meeting with health and other senior officials in the government.

The highly contagious coronavirus is a respiratory virus that spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth of an infected person especially when they cough or sneeze. It can also be spread by touching surfaces that may harbour the virus after droplets from an infected person lands on it. To prevent the infection, it is important to stay more than 1 meter away from a person who is sick, wash hands regularly, and avoid touching your face. Masks also help in preventing the spread of nasal and oral droplets.

As of April 4, 2020, there are around 2650 active coronavirus cases in India and Uttar Pradesh has 174 confirmed cases of Covid-19 (Data from Ministry of Health and family affair) with two deaths related to Covid-19. According to IANS report, Uttar Pradesh also reported 50 fresh cases yesterday in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Meerut.