Imposition of Rs.500 penalty back again for not wearing face masks in public places in Coimbatore

Coimbatore: Owing to the rise of Covid cases in the country again, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Radhakrishnan has announced a fine of Rs.500 for those who do not wear masks in public places.

Delhi, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have started witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases again. The number of cases in Tamil Nadu has since increased considerably too. 30 students of IIT Madras have tested positive for Coronavirus.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Radhakrishnan said, "As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, we have already issued Covid guidelines to educational institutions. It is mandatory for public to wear masks, a safety rule which is yet to be withdrawn by the Tamil Nadu government. At the same time, a fine of Rs. 500 will be imposed for not wearing masks in public places."

He also stated that people from other states are being monitored and that they have taken steps to go directly to the place where they are staying and get them tested. Adding that though there was no need to set up a Mega Vaccination Camp currently, orders have been given to identify the unvaccinated lot and administer vaccines to them as soon as possible.

"There is no tense situation in Tamil Nadu at the moment. Though at least 438 cases were reported per day during the first wave, and 597 in the second wave, cases had come down to 18 in the third wave. That's why we advise you to be careful," stated the Health Secretary. He reiterated that people should wear masks and follow social distancing, and cannot afford to be careless.

"We have now issued a penalty for not wearing masks in public places. In the last two weeks alone, the number of people coming from outside the State has increased. However, they are being monitored rather than isolated," further added the Health Secretary.