Rachakonda CP warns Rs 1,000 fine for not wearing mask in public

Hyderabad: In the wake of the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the state, the Rachakonda CP Mahesh Bhagwat conducted an awareness program for motorists under Nacharam PS Limits in an innovative manner. A street play was conducted to explain to the motorists the dangers and consequences of not wearing a mask in public while driving. The CP warned that those found not wearing masks will pay Rs 1,000 as a fine for non-compliance.

Meanwhile, alarmed by rising Covid cases, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has made spitting in public places a punishable crime. In the latest circular, GHMC said spitting in public places is punishable with a fine as prescribed by the local authority in accordance with the law, rules and regulations.

The Municipal body has invoked Disaster Management Act, 2005 to impose new guidelines. Under section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, any violation can attract imprisonment up to two years or a fine, or both. Violation of section 188 of the IPC attracts imprisonment up to six months, a fine up to Rs. 1,000 or both.

GHMC officials said that wearing a facemask is compulsory in public places, workplaces, and transport systems. NO MASK-NO entry boards have to be displayed outside offices, malls, commercial complexes, and transport systems in the GHMC limits.

GHMC also kept the facility of thermal screening, hand wash, or Sanitizers available at entry and exit points. Frequent sanitization of the workplace, common areas, and all points, which come into human contact such as doors, handles, staircase rods, etc, shall be ensured.

It may be recalled that more than 15 staffers of various wings of the GHMC have tested positive for the virus.

GHMC has advised people to avoid escalators, lifts and use only staircase, and reduce the usage of Air Conditioners and Coolers.