Time to wear mask at home, don’t step out unnecessarily: Govt

New Delhi: Urging people to stay indoors amid surge in COVID-19 infections, Niti Aayog member (Health) Dr VK Paul on Monday said time has come to wear masks even at home, especially if there is any infected person around.

Addressing a joint press conference with other senior functionaries, Dr Paul said “Please don’t go out unnecessarily, and even within the family wear a mask. Do not invite people into your home.”
“The person who is infected must wear it but even others must do it when sitting with other family members at home. The infected person should be isolated in a separate room,” he added.

In this COVID19 situation, please don't go out unnecessarily, and even within the family wear a mask. It is very important to wear a mask. Do not invite people into your home: Dr. VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog pic.twitter.com/hSp7IeuJGl

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

Asserting the importance of vaccination drive to combat COVID-19, the senior official said, “We cannot let the pace of COVID-19 vaccination decline in view of the emerging situation. In fact, vaccination should be escalated.”

On being asked whether the vaccine can be taken by women during menstruation, Paul said, “The answer is yes, the vaccine can be taken during periods. There is no reason to postpone vaccination.”

Questions are being asked whether vaccine can be taken by women during menstruation. The answer is yes, the vaccine can be taken during periods. This is no reason to postpone vaccination: Dr. VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog

— ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2021

He further urged hospitals and doctors to improve the services of telemedicine.

The Health Ministry on Monday stated that 14.19 crore vaccine doses have been administered till date.