With the country witnessing an upsurge in the number of Covid-19 cases, experts suggested that people start wearing masks once again. New Covid-19 cases surged to 7,830 on Wednesday, the highest in more than seven months. The active caseload stood at 40,215, according to the health and family welfare ministry data.

Gautam Menon, professor of physics and biology at the Ashoka University, said masks should be worn especially in enclosed spaces and in public transportation. Stressing on the need for extra care by the elderly and immune-compromised people, he said, “They should certainly do so.”

Haryana, Kerala and Puducherry have mandated wearing of masks and asked people to adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour to contain the spread of the infection. On Wednesday, several schools in Delhi also mandated wearing of surgical masks at all times in the school.

“Masks is never a bad idea, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated places. I would use a mask in Delhi Metro for example,” said Anurag Agrawal, chair of the World Health Organization’s technical advisory group on virus evolution. “On the other hand, I wouldn’t use it in my private car with people I am anyway exposed to. So, no mandate but recommendation for smart use.”

Delhi-National Capital Region has observed a recent increase in Covid cases and hospitalisations, said Dr Ankita Baidya, consultant-infectious disease, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka. “It’s crucial for the public to understand the significance of masks and basic hygiene practices, along with vaccination, in protecting themselves and their loved ones from Covid-19. By taking these necessary precautions, we can help curb the spread of the virus and ensure a safer environment for all,” she said.

Doctors said the numbers have increased rapidly over the past two-three weeks.

“Most of the patients are complaining of mild disease, so they typically have fever, cough, cold throat, runny nose, throat pain, runny nose, headache and body aches. Some people have nausea and diarrhoea, but the majority have a disease which is self-limiting and in about five to seven days, they get well,” said Sandeep Budhiraja, group medical director, Max Healthcare. Budhiraja said most of the patients are managed at home and they are advised to remain in isolation.