Without mask, pay Rs 1,000 fine, undergo Covid test on the spot

Mohali, March 19

If you are going outdoors without a face mask, be prepared to shell out a fine of Rs1,000 and take an on-the-spot Covid test in Mohali. The police will, however, hand over a face mask to the offenders for free.

On Day 1 of this first-of-its-kind drive, 62 persons were challaned in the Phase 3B2 market and health officials took their samples for the Covid test with an amused look on cops’ faces nearby.

Mohali SSP Satinder Singh said, “On the orders of the Deputy Commissioner, the drive is being carried out to persuade people to go outdoors and in public places wearing face masks. The drive will continue in the coming days. The exercise was carried out in Zirakpur, Phase 3B2 and other places.

SP (City) Harwinder Singh Virk and DSP (City-1) Gursher Singh Sandhu also visited public places. Virk appealed to the people of the city “to strictly follow the instructions of the government and leave their homes only in case it is necessary”. The police said the offender had to pay a fine of Rs1,000 and if a person did not have the money on the spot, he/she would have to appear in the SDM court. — TNS