When it came to non-compliance towards covering face, breathing problems have emerged as a key reason, with 50 percent listing it in a nationwide survey, followed by discomfort and inconvenience at 44 percent. Around 45 percent also assume that as long as social distancing was maintained, a mask was not required.

The survey, spread over 18 cities, was initiated by ApnaMask, an initiative by EkDesh, to understand overall compliance around wearing of masks. Only 44 percent of Indians are wearing a mask while awareness levels around masks is at 90 percent high. As the country is inching towards a complete Unlock, wearing a mask properly, maintaining social distancing, and hand hygiene will be the three essentials of prevention of Covid-19.