HYDERABAD: Given the surge in Covid-19 infections, the state government has announced that a penalty of Rs 1,000 will be imposed on those seen not wearing a
mask
in
public places
.
In its order (GO) issued on Sunday, the government said it had made wearing of face masks mandatory in public places, workspaces, and transport through an order in May last year.
Last week, the government had issued a GO making it mandatory for people across the state to wear masks when stepping out. Those seen violating the order will be subject to stringent action, even imprisonment.
“Any deviation in this regard shall attract prosecution under Section 51 and 60 of Disaster Management Act 2005 and Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant),” chief secretary Somesh Kumar said in his order.
Health minister
Eatala Rajender
had said on Saturday that self regulation, especially wearing masks, is equal to lockdown in order to control the rising number of cases. GHMC has already started imposing penalties on shopkeepers at some places for allowing customers without masks.