The State Government’s order for mandatory use of masks by people while venturing out of their houses came into effect from Thursday in view of the coronavirus threat.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department’s order has made it compulsory for people to cover their faces and mouths with a mask or a handkerchief or any other piece of cloth with at least two layers.
The district and municipal authorities have been directed to strictly ensure that there is no crowding and people use masks or cloths such as handkerchief or dupatta to cover their faces and mouths while stepping out of their houses.
Single-use masks should be properly disposed of after use and cloths used for the purpose should be cleaned with disinfectants after every use. Masks used by a person must not be used by another, according to the order.
People violating the order by not wearing masks when outdoors have to cough up fines between Rs 200 and Rs 500.
“Wearing masks in public places is mandatory in the State and it has been decided that Rs 200 penalty will be imposed for first three instances of violation, and thereafter, a violator will be penalised Rs 500, said Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy.