Pune: If you are caught not wearing a mask or spitting in the open in Pune district, you could be fined Rs 500. The Pune administration has decided to impose a fine of Rs 500 for those not wearing a face mask and spitting in public places. In order to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus in the district’s rural areas, District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh has taken strict action on those who will venture without a face mask and spit in public places.

The state had been under lockdown since March 23 due to the rapid rise in the coronavirus cases. Now, the state government has issued a notification regarding Mission Begin Again to end the step-wise lockdown and give some relaxations on the lockdown. People, however, are seen flouting the social distancing norms and are travelling without face masks. If people are seen travelling without a mask and spitting tobacco in public places will have to pay Rs 500 as fine.

The order said that the fine should be recovered by the police officers and staff under the jurisdiction of Superintendent of Pune Rural Police. The fine will be recovered by the police officers and staff in the area. Violation of this order will result in appropriate legal action under IPC section 181 against any person, organisation or association, the order further states.