Covid: 84,994 people fined but many continue to avoid mask

LUCKNOW: Even as many fear that Covid-19 pandemic could turn worse in coming days people continue to avoid wearing masks or follow social distancing in the city despite imposition of fine and warning by the authorities.

People in busy markets and other public place in various parts of the city can still be seen without wearing a mask when over 27,15,568 people have been fined over Rs 410 million rupees for not wearing a mask, according to the data of Uttar Pradesh police between May and November 2.

In UP, the fine for not wearing a mask is Rs 500.

Further, over 84,994 people have been fined over Rs 15 million rupees for spitting in open, in the same time period.

People are being fined in all the districts of Uttar Pradesh. In Lucknow over 600 people are fined every day on an average for not a wearing mask.

While most of the fines are being collected by the police, the local administration has also issued challan against people for not following the guidelines to avoid Covid-19 infections.

Yet people are not serious about wearing masks or following social distancing.

“I forgot it at my home today,” said Sushant Verma, a 21-yearold college student when asked about why he was not wearing a mask.

“I have a handkerchief with me which I use instead,” he added pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket.

The state government has first appealed people to wear a mask but later made it mandatory for everyone to wear mask before leaving their house.

A fine of Rs 100 was also announced which was later increased to Rs 500.

“The number of Covid cases has gone down in last few weeks but they are rising again. In such situation not following basic measures like wearing masks or keeping social distancing will prove detrimental. We need to develop awareness about masks and following other measures to contain its spread,” said Bhoj Raj Singh, head of epidemiology department at Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly.