Mysuru: Setting off alarm bells over the coronavirus infection, the Mysuru city mayor was spotted attending a Municipal Council meeting wearing a mask.
On Wednesday, March 5, councillors and others present at the meeting were shocked to see Mayor Tasneem and Deputy Mayor Sridhar walk in with their faces covered by protective masks.
A few council members were annoyed at the mayor’s actions as there are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in the state of Karnataka.
“Why are you wearing a mask? Would not the fact that the mayor herself is wearing a mask generate anxiety among the public?” the councillors questioned.
Replying to the queries, Mayor Tasneem said that her intention was to create awareness among the people with regard to the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, fears about the coronavirus have led to a rise in demand for masks which, in turn, has led prices of the medical gear to skyrocket. It is a boon for retailers as the wholesale price for one mask has gone up to Rs 14 while the retail price is nearly twice as much.
Since no confirmed covid-19 cases have been reported from the Mysuru district, KR Hospital physician Dr. Rajesh urged the people not to unnecessarily purchase face masks.
The district has already taken all the necessary steps to prevent the infection. A 10-bed capacity special ward has been reserved at the KR Hospital for this purpose.
