Stepping out without mask? Be ready to pay Rs 500 fine

CHENNAI: Stepping out on city roads without wearing a mask would cost you Rs 500 as the city police have started cracking down on those venturing out without it. Face masks have been made mandatory to control the spread of coronavirus that has caused the pandemic.

Starting the mask campaign at Spencer Plaza junction on Anna Salai on Friday, city police Commissioner AK Viswanathan distributed face masks to motorists who were found without one. The officer also advised them to wear masks whenever they were out on the streets to fight the spread of the virus.

The police booked 2,130 motorists and collected a sum of Rs 10.65 lakh as fine on Friday.

Later talking to reporters, the city police reiterated that the people should not step out of their houses unnecessarily. If they have to venture outside, they should wear masks to protect themselves. Those not wearing one would face strict action, he cautioned, adding that personnel from both traffic and law and order wings would implement it.

The city police and Greater Chennai Corporation officials are enforcing this together. “The virus is here, and we need to fight it together. Wearing mask is crucial for it,” Commissioner Viswanathan noted. The Commissioner distributed the masks to members of the public on Anna Salai and also in Parry's Corner as part of creating awareness among the people about necessity of wearing it to fight the spread of COVID 19.