MONDAY, MAY 06, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Monday announced an increase in the amount of the fine for not wearing masks in public from Rs 100 to Rs 200. The enhanced penalty is expected to work as a deterrent and sensitise people on the use of wearing a mask to prevent further spread of the infection.
“Goa Police, Mamlatdar and local bodies have absolute right to fine all the violators. Those who are not wearing masks are exposing themselves and others to the risk of infection. At least in public, wearing of masks is compulsory because other states are facing a third wave. The fine amount thus will be increased from Rs 100 to Rs 200 from tomorrow (Tuesday),” he said.
With a massive influx of domestic tourists in the past few weeks, local authorities have noticed that several visitors are roaming around without masks and are not maintaining social distancing norms. In Panjim alone, the Corporation of City of Panaji has challaned around 400 tourists for not wearing face masks.
Sawant conceded that the strict implementation might upset certain sections but it was required. “Tourism in Goa has started and people may call it a bad move but to control COVID-19, these measures are a must. Police role is important. Public without mask or not adhering to social distance, be it at hotels, beach, airport, railway stations and others should be fined,” he said, adding that the government will not be lenient towards violators.
The CM also had praise for the men-in-khaki, who despite having COVID-19 cases within their department, continued their frontline duty. “Policemen were the first to come in contact with people being on frontline duty. Many were COVID-19 positive but their work didn’t stop,” he said.
