In UP, pay Rs 100 fine if caught without mask

LUCKNOW: Be ready to pay a fine of Rs 100 if you are caught without a face mask or cover next time. The government has introduced spot fines for failure to cover one’s face in an attempt to ensure strict compliance with the rule.
Additional chief secretary, home, Awanish Awasthi on Thursday said that instead of issuing challans, which could take several days to see result, the CM had recommended spot fines where a person would be fined there and then.
“District administration and police have been directed to take action where necessary and carry out a drive to reinforce this rule. The state is appealing to every single person to ensure that they cover their face when stepping out and practice social distancing to ensure that they keep themselves safe from Covid-19,” Awasthi said.
As there is a huge demand for face masks, the CM has said that women and self-help groups should be encouraged to make masks and scarves. This will also provide employment along with ensuring a steady supply of face masks.
The CM has also said that all districts should ensure that they have a sufficient number of thermal scanners and ultra-red thermometers, especially with several lakh persons coming into the state regularly. With industries also starting, more people were being expected to be out in public places and the administration should ensure availability of thermal scanners at public places like offices and markets.
The CM has also said that testing should be increased in the state. From a little more than 3,000 tests daily in the beginning, the current number of tests being carried out each day is about 5,000-6,000. This, the CM has said, should be increased to 10,000 tests a day. For incoming migrant workers, pool testing should be carried out.
A drive will also be carried out to identify those who have not received ration and in case they do not have ration cards, the government should ensure that they are provided with fresh cards.