India, June 4 -- As Maharashtra reports a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases, health experts are urging people to start using face masks again in high-risk settings. Though most current infections are clinically mild, senior citizens and those with pre-existing ailments remain vulnerable, and three-layer or N95 masks can be life-saving in such contexts, say doctors.

According to data from the state health department, confirmed Covid-19 cases climbed from 106 on May 20 and to 959 on June 3. On June 3 alone, Maharashtra reported 86 new cases, including 26 from Mumbai.

Dr Vimal Pahuja, consultant physician (internal medicine) at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, emphasised the continued need for personal protection.

"We're seeing more incid...