Use of masks has dropped considerably in India to below 60%, which is the lowest figure since December last year. This is even below the level seen prior to the second wave and has raised concerns among authorities who are calling it a “danger zone” in terms of protection capability against COVID. The Institute of Health Metrics (IHME) data suggests that at the beginning of December last year, mask usage was nearly 65%.

NITI Aayog member-health Dr VK Paul shared data from the IHME which showed how very few people are currently using masks. Dr Paul said that as per the estimate, we are worse off now compared to how it was prior to the last surge in coronavirus cases. He added that we have come to a danger zone again. With regard to the protection capability, he said that we are now operating at a risky level. He emphasized that it is not yet time to stop using the masks… (ET Healthworld – TNN, December 11, 2021)