With a spike in coronavirus cases in various parts of the world, Dr Pranav Kabra advises all Indians to wear masks in public and closed places

MUMBAI: With a global spike in coronavirus cases in various parts of the world, particularly China, Dr Pranav Kabra of the Raksha Multispeciality Hospital at Malad in suburban Mumbai as well as the Raksha Hospital Research Centre has suggested that all Indian should wear masks while in public and also in closed places, to avoid another lockdown-like situation. Watch the video here.

On Thursday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) advised Indians to to follow Covid appropriate behaviour with immediate effect. The apex medical body asked people to avoid international travel and wear masks in all public places.

In a statement, the IMA said the situation was not alarming in India and there was no need to panic. “Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, all are advised to take following necessary steps to overcome the impending Covid outbreak,” the IMA said.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government on Thursday decided to conduct mandatory testing of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) in the poll-bound state.

Karnataka also decided to make face masks mandatory in closed spaces and air-conditioned rooms.

The two per cent random testing of international passengers arriving in the state will continue until revised directions from the Centre, state Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said.

An advisory to wear masks in indoor locations, closed spaces and air-conditioned rooms was issued by the Karnataka government.