Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Thursday made it mandatory for residents to cover their faces before stepping out of their houses. The Government has also announced imposition of fine for non-compliance. A decision to this effect was taken in the State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through video conferencing.
“Wearing mask in public places has made mandatory in Odisha. It has been decided that Rs 200 penalty will be imposed for first three instances of violation, and thereafter, a violator will be penalised Rs 500 for each violation,” said Chief Secretary Asit Triapthy here.
“All persons shall cover their mount and nose with any available form of mask while coming out of house for any purpose. A handkerchief or any other piece of cloth in at least two layers can also be used for the purpose,” said a notification issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department here on Thursday.
Officials not below the Extension Officers of the Block, Additional Tahasildars or Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI) or ULB ward officers have been authorised to collect the fine.
The Government has made the wearing of mask mandatory from 7 am of April 9 to contain the spread of the contagious coronavirus disease.
