Keypoints:
- With sudden rise in the number of COVID 19 cases, BMC has issued fresh guidelines to keep the spread in control.
- Buildings with five or more positive cases will be sealed; restaurants, clubs, wedding halls to be regularly inspected.
- People found violating the rule will be punishable under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code and a fine of Rs 200 will be imposed on them by cleanup marshals or officers appointed by the BMC.
On Thursday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that people who are found commuting in public places without face masks will be fined with Rs. 200 on the spot. This move is taken to make the public aware of not violating rules.
BMC released a circular signed by BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal,it is stated that post the launch of Mission Begin Again and after services gradually resumed, people started stepping outside their homes without face masks and did not adhere to precautionary measures.
The circular stated that, “It is not just unsafe for their own safety but also for the fellow citizens who may come in their close proximity”. It also added that with the resumption of local trains and other modes of public transport, the possibility of the virus spreading has also increased.
“It has been observed in some studies that wearing of facial mask can reduce the spread of substantially to persons coming in close contact with each other apart from compulsory social distancing measures,” it read.
It has stated that wearing masks has been made mandatory in the city and that all persons will have to wear masks in public places including streets, shops, offices, hospital premises, local trains, and public transport services.
People found violating the rule will be punishable under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code and a fine of Rs 200 will be imposed on them by cleanup marshals or officers appointed by the BMC.
Besides, Chahal also suggested that regular inspections should be carried out at wedding halls and if rules are found to be violated, action must be taken against the organisers of the event.
On Wednesday, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar had travelled in a local train to advise people to wear masks at all times. The BMC as well as Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray have warned of another lockdown and stringent measures if the violation of rules is not contained amid rising number of coronavirus cases in the city.
