Pune: Prakash Javadekar prescribes more Covid tests, strict no-mask fines

PUNE: Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said testing across containment zones in the city and nearby areas needs to be ramped up to control Covid-19 in the region.
The minister was speaking at a press conference after a situation review meeting he had held with deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, state health minister Rajesh Tope and senior civic officials. Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar also participated in the review.

Javadekar asked civic officials and the police force to crack down on people not wearing masks in public and demanded the anti-spitting rule and no-facial cover fines be strictly imposed by the city administration.
“During my discussion with the deputy chief minister, we agreed that fines for not wearing masks and spitting on the roads should be strictly imposed. Organisations like Ganesh mandals and other citizens’ groups can play a big role in boosting awareness on facial covers and hygiene,” he said.
The minister added that the Centre is ready to fill gaps in the supply of medical equipment to the region.
He said, “There should be more coordination between agencies to get such things done. There are areas where the Centre can take initiative — such as ensuring adequate number of ventilators for serious Covid patients and PPE kits for doctors. I will make sure supply gaps in these areas are filled. The Centre has stepped in with funding under various schemes and we will continue to do so if the state government asks for assistance.”