Agartala: In a move to contain the spread of novel coronavirus surge, the Tripura government on Friday started a two day ‘mask wearing enforcement day’ across the state.
Speaking with reporters, Sadar sub-division deputy collector and magistrate Animesh Dhar said, “We have seen that the infection rate is increasing every day and that has to be contained. The special drive is an attempt to ensure that people start adhering to the social distancing protocol and wear face masks in public places.”
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He also said that those who are found not wearing face masks are being penalised Rs 200 in first offence and Rs 400 on subsequent offence. The people can be penalised up to Rs 1,000 for not adhering to the social distancing protocol.
Earlier, speaking with EastMojo, education minister Ratan Lal Nath said that the cabinet in its meeting has decided to start a strict mask enforcement drive for two days across the state.
“We have decided to carry out a special drive– ‘Mask wearing enforcement day’ on September 18 and 19 next. People would be fined across the state for not adhering to maintain social distancing and for not wearing face masks”, Nath said.
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During the lockdown and night curfews from March 24 to September 15, the Tripura government collected Rs 2.57 crore in fines. Police arrested 10,560 persons, while 97 FIRs were registered, 526 vehicles were seized across the state for violating curfews.
The positivity rate of Tripura stands at 5.98 per cent, while the mortality rate stands at 1.10 with 228 COVID-19 deaths. The state has registered a total of 20,699 confirmed cases, with 13,559 recovered cases.
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