Patna: Violate norms & be ready to pay fines

PATNA: Motorists violating the norms and not wearing face masks for prevention of Covid-19 spread may have to pay fine up to Rs2,000.
Patna divisional commissioner Sanjay Kumar Agarwal on Saturday asked Patna DM Kumar Ravi to form flying squads in urban areas to crack down on those not wearing masks while moving around the city. He said if any shopkeeper or store owner were found without a mask, their licences would be seized for three days, while any motorist without mask may have to pay Rs2,000 as fine.
Agarwal said in order to prevent Covid-19 spread, it is mandatory for the people at public places, shops, roads and even in private and public vehicles to wear a face mask. “If the flying squad catches any autorickshaw, cab or bus driver or even private vehicle owner without a mask, they will seize their driving licences for three days,” he told this newspaper.
He added: “Besides, the violation of face mask will attract a fine of Rs2,000. For individuals roaming at public places and passengers travelling in auto, bus and car without mask, the fine is up to Rs50.”
A special drive to ensure people wear masks in vehicles would also be launched under the guidance of traffic SP D Amarkesh.
The divisional commissioner said action would be taken against the shops and restaurants for not maintaining social distancing norms and wearing masks. “If people are found without masks during the surprise checks, the shops and restaurants will be closed by the district administration for three days. The closure notice will also be put up on the shop’s wall,” Agarwal said.
He directed the block development officers and SDOs to keep a tab on locals in their respective areas, especially at market places.
Meanwhile, Agarwal asked the DM to increase the number of isolation centres in Patna in view of the rising number of Covid cases in the district. He also directed the officials concerned to start counselling for the Covid-19 patients and expedite their contact tracing.