UP: Heftier fine for not wearing masks, face-covers in public

LUCKNOW: In wake of poor compliance of the norm making masks compulsory, the Uttar Pradesh government increased the penalty from Rs 100 to Rs 500. Earlier, a defaulter had to pay Rs 100 for the first and second occasions but shell Rs 500 each time thereafter. But now, everyone will have to pay Rs 500 for the first time.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, additional chief secretary health and family welfare Amit Mohan Prasad said: “The number of cases has increased significantly since lockdown ended.Economic activity is returning to normal but life has not as the risk of covid remains very much there. However, a number of people seem to have become ignorant toward methods of pandemic prevention, particularly wearing masks. As a result, the government has decided to increase the fine for not wearing masks or face covers.”

Reiterating that there was no vaccine or sure-shot medicine against coronavirus, Prasad said: “to ensure compliance, the government has decided to increase the fine for not wearing a mask or face covers from Rs 100 to Rs 500 all through. The relevant orders will be circulated shortly.”
The move came after social activists took to social media to highlight how a good number of people including senior officers and even ministers were hanging masks around their ears instead of using them to cover their mouth and nose, thereby defeating the very purpose of it. Several hashtags were also doing rounds to emphasize the importance of face covers.
To note, face masks were made mandatory after the recommendation of the Union health ministry. “Certain countries have claimed benefits of homemade face cover for the general public. Such a homemade face cover is a good method for maintaining personal hygiene. Such usage certainly will help in maintaining overall hygienic health conditions. Therefore, it is suggested that such people who are not suffering from medical conditions or having breathing difficulties may use the handmade reusable face cover, particularly when they step out of their house. This will help in protecting the community at large,” read the advisory.
Public health experts welcomed the move stating that following covid-19 prevention measures was a ‘national service’ at the moment. “The government and health department is doing its bit but public participation is crucial to keep the number of cases and deaths low. The minimum they can do is wear a face cover. In the present circumstances, this is a service to the nation,” said AK Shukla, retired UP government doctor.