Mask up again: Violators to be fined Rs 1,000, asked to carry double vaccination certificates in TS

The director of public health, Dr. G. Srinivasa Rao, said the rule to impose a fine of Rs. 1,000 against those who do not wear masks already exists in the state. On 11 April, amid the rise in COVID-19 cases during the second wave, the state government had issued an order making face masks mandatory in all public places, workspaces, and means of transport. Failing to wear a mask attracts a penalty of Rs. 1,000 and prosecution under sections 51 and 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and section 188 of the IPC.

The health department has asked citizens to carry their double vaccination certificates or "vaccine passports" when venturing outside. Telangana health teams will visit public places and will randomly ask people for vaccine certificates. This is a cautionary measure and also creates awareness about vaccination. Our agenda is to safeguard the health and lives of people," said the DPH.

The health department said that 90% of the population in Telangana has taken the first dose of the vaccine, and around 47% have taken the second dose. "The Cabinet sub-committee has directed district collectors to inoculate all eligible people by December. The sub-committee set up by the state government to combat the Omicron threat has directed the collectors to ensure effective coordination with the panchayat raj, municipal administration, education, and other departments to achieve 100% vaccination," said the DPH.

Headed by health minister T. Harish Rao, the sub-committee comprises IT minister K.T Rama Rao, education minister P. Sabitha Indra Reddy, and health department officials.

Meanwhile, the DPH also said that the department is observing a slight spike in daily cases due to the winter season when viral diseases tend to spike. He also added that school-related outbreaks are also a reason for the spike in cases.