Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday launched a 14-day ‘Mask Abhiyan’ and said the battle against Covid-19 can be won even without imposing restrictions like lockdown. “The second wave of coronavirus infection has started and it is spreading fast.
Lockdown, shutdown and night curfew are being imposed in many parts of the country. However, if we follow the Covid-19 guidelines and wear masks properly, we can stop the spread of the infection without imposing such harsh curbs. Therefore, we all will actively take part in the Mask Abhiyan for the next 14 days,” Patnaik said. “If we follow this rule strictly for 14 days, it will turn into a habit.
Let us all pledge that we will wear mask properly not merely hang it around our neck but by covering the nose and face properly,” he said
The children should wear masks when they venture out of home. “Mothers should take up the fight against Covid at homes while the Government would protect everyone outside,” he said.
Questioning why all should face the harsh situation of lockdown due to the negligence of a few irresponsible people, Patnaik warned that the Government has doubled the penalty for not wearing masks. “I have directed the police and administration to collect fine from those travelling without properly using masks.
The Government has decided to impose double fine on violators of mask rule,” he said. Notably, the fine for not wearing mask has been hiked from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 for the first two violations and Rs 5,000 after that.