70 booked for not wearing face masks in Nashik

Santosh Sonawane | TNN | Updated: Apr 16, 2020, 11:21 IST

As coronavirus spreads across India, it's time to mask up and stay safe (Image courtesy: maskindia.com)

NASHIK: City police has so far booked as many as 70 people for not wearing face masks while stepping out of their homes.
A senior police officer said a notification has been issued that wearing of masks is essential to avoid the spread of coronavirus. "Despite this there are people who are not paying heed to this rule. Since March 22, we have booked 70 such people. They have been booked under section 188 (disobeying the orders duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code.

"We have also taken action against 2,729 people under Section 188 for breaking lockdown. Strict action against such people will continue till the lockdown is not lifted," the official said.
According to the officer, the number of cases in the city is increasing steadily steadily and this calls for strict social distancing norms.
"Hence, people should not venture out of their houses unless there is an emergency. It has been observed that people not only come out of their homes frequently on the pretext of buying grocery, vegetables, etc but they also for morning and evening walks. All such people who have been identified and booked," the officer said.
"We have also limited the timing of grocery stores and vegetable markets so that people do not venture out of their houses. Since the lockdown has been extended till May 3, people are advised to ensure that they always wear a mask while moving out. Strict action will be taken against people for not adhering to police instructions," he added.