ICMR-civic body study reveals improvement in proper mask-wearing etiquette in Chennai  

A survey conducted by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has revealed a significant improvement in mask-wearing etiquette among Chennaiites.

A July survey of 3,200 individuals (outdoors) and 1,280 individuals (in stores, pharmacy, places of worship) conducted across 32 slum and 32 non-slum streets has indicated 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas.  

The improvement is noticeable especially when comparing the results of surveys that have been conducted throughout the pandemic. Four rounds of such surveys were conducted in October 2020, December 2020, March 2021 and July 2021.

The methodology was to select 64 streets at random (32 in slums and 32 in non-slums) and observe 50 consecutive individuals outdoors and 20 individuals in indoor spaces. 

Indoor spaces included grocery and vegetable stores, pharmacies, religious places, apparel stores. Whereas, outdoor public spaces were streets in residential or commercial areas, markets, bus stops, etc. 

The latest round of the study has revealed that 38% of the slum and 25% of the non-slum population did not wear masks while outdoors. “Indoor mask compliance was at 24% in slums and 33% in non-slums. 39% of the slum population and 34% of the non-slum population did not wear any masks indoors,” read the report.  

Past survey data on mask compliance says that there was only 28% appropriate use in slums and 36% in non-slums in Round 1, October 2020. In Round 2, December 2020, the same was observed, whereas malls showed highest compliance of mask discipline (57%).

Round 3 in March 2021 showed 21% compliance in slum areas and 27% in non-slum areas. Thereby, the latest figures of 41% mask compliance in slums and 47% in non-slum outdoor areas is a significant improvement for the city.  

While this can be seen as a positive development, it must be pointed out that there has been a marginal rise in daily cases in Chennai, over the weekend.

With partial normalcy having returned and big companies working at 100% strength, and restaurants, malls, markets and meat stalls open, the danger of a possible third wave is becoming inevitable. Experts have been advising caution and vigil among the public, regarding the following of Covid norms.  

Sunday’s Government health bulletin said that the city had 150 new cases, as against Saturday’s 137 cases. Since July 7, the city has been reporting less than 200 daily cases.