In several countries wearing masks has been made compulsory and now Karnataka has made wearing masks mandatory inside restaurants, pubs, theatre halls, schools, and colleges. “There’s no need to panic. But we have to take precautions from now on,” said Health Minister of Karnataka K. Sudhakar. Ahead of New Year celebrations government said Covid protocols have to be followed strictly. Meanwhile, at 4 pm Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will hold a virtual meeting with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on the Covid-19 preparedness, situation.