Pay Rs 200 fine for not wearing face mask

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 18

Expecting more people at public places in the wake of relaxations in curfew, the Health Department has decided to slap fines for violating corona guidelines.

To stave off the spread of Covid-19, the Health Department has made it mandatory for everyone to wear face mask at public places. A fine of Rs 200 will be imposed on violator for not wearing mask in public place.

Besides, the department will levy a fine of Rs 100 on spitting at open places.

These fines will be imposed on the people, who violate the guidelines, thereby, risking the lives of others during the corona pandemic.

Patiala Civil Surgeon, Dr Harish Malhotra, said, “It is compulsorily to wear mask for every person, who is out for whatsoever purpose and reason at public places such as street, hospital, office, and markets.” Either people could wear a triple-layered mask or cover their face with a properly washed cotton cloth, Dr Harish added.

“If nothing is available, one can cover one’s face with handkerchief or scarf,” Dr Harish said. “Now, this fight against corona pandemic can only be fought with active community participation. Each individual by following the guidelines can contribute his/her bit into this fight against Covid-19,” Dr Harish added. The Health Department would also be issuing challans to people, who violate the home isolation norm. A fine of Rs 500 will be imposed for breaking home quarantine.

Fines will be imposed by an officer of the rank not less than a Block Development Panchayat Officer (BDPO) or Naib Tehsildar or Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police.