PANJIM: Not just the tourists, but locals are also being fined by the City Corporation for breaking the face mask rule within its jurisdiction in Panjim. The Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) has fined close to 174 persons including 39 tourists, locals and market vendors for not wearing masks, despite mandated by the government to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“As on date, 174 persons including 39 tourists have been fined for not wearing face masks. Majority have been fined at the market area including fish and vegetable vendors,” Panjim Mayor Uday Madkaikar told Herald.
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On Sunday, two groups of tourists from Karnataka, with a combined strength of 15 were asked to pay fines after the Mayor spotted them near the Panjim Church Square without face masks. In his video message, Madkaikar had said that while they welcome tourists, the latter should also know that without wearing of masks they are putting themselves as well as people in Goa to danger.
He further added that another 24 tourists were fined for not wearing masks at the entrance of Miramar beach
This drive will continue across Goa and not just in Panjim.
The District Collectors have already instructed the municipalities and panchayats to take action against people, found violating the mandatory norm.
Panjim recorded nearly 265 cases until Monday evening while 27 new positive cases were added on Tuesday.
The State, earlier this month, had permitted unrestricted movement of people and goods based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs. No self or facility quarantine, or bringing COVID-19 negative certificate on arrival or undergoing the test is mandatory; however, the international and sea passengers will have to follow the norms. Wearing of face masks, use of hand sanitisers or hand wash and social distancing continue to be in place.
