With Maharashtra witnessing a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's warning of a new lockdown on Sunday, the Mumbai police also started issuing challans to those flouting the protocol of not wearing masks. In wake of surge in coronavirus cases in the state, Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh informed that they are now authorised to issue challans to violators for not wearing masks. Also Read: Lockdown In Maharashtra If Covid-19 Cases Keep Rising: CM Uddhav Thackeray
“Every time we fined you for not wearing a helmet or seatbelt it was always to remind you the value of your life & safety. Same for masks,” noted Param Bir Singh in an official Tweet. Now, people will have to pay a challan of Rs 200 if found without a mask. Also note, for not wearing a helmet it’s Rs 500, for not wearing a seatbelt it is also the same.
Param Bir Singh also tweets about the charges of the fine asking Mumbaikars to take care of.
Maharashtra reported 6,971 new Covid-19 cases, 2,417 recoveries, and 35 deaths in the last 24 hours on Sunday, as per State Health Department, reported ANI. On Sunday, Thackeray said if the Covid-19 situation deteriorates further, then the state government will be forced to impose lockdown. "Those who want lockdown can roam around without mask while those who don't want it must wear mask and follow all the rules," CM Thackeray said.
The CM also announced through a tweet that all political, religious, social processions, rallies, agitations, crowds and large processions will be banned for a few more days starting from tomorrow.
Earlier, there were reports that the government is mulling over imposing a 12-hour night curfew and a strict penalty of Rs 1 lakh on wedding halls that are spotted violating Covid-19 norms by allowing over 50 attendees.
The state has imposed one-week complete lockdown in the Amravati district excluding Achalpur city. Guardian Minister Yashomati Thakur announced that essential services permitted will be permitted. Around 1,176 new Covid-19 cases and six deaths in Pune district, as per Health Department, Pune Zilha Parishad, according to news agency ANI.