CHAT THAT MATTERS
The government has said that the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic will hit India in February 2022. Already, Maharashtra has banned Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties as the Omicron variant spreads its tentacles. Even then, a lot of people in the city are not wearing masks, preferring to rather cover their chins and not their mouths and noses. We asked readers what should be the punishment for not wearing mask in public, and here’s what they had to say.
I think nobody should be punished for not wearing a mask. You can't force someone to use a mask. Please understand, Covid-19 entered India through foreign travellers. There should have been strict screening at the airport. That was not done and now every citizen is suffering. — Chirag Dabane
This is a crisis and we are yet to defeat the pandemic. It is everyone's responsibility to do whatever is necessary for safety of themselves as well as of others. The penalty for not wearing mask in public places has already been increased to Rs 500. I think it's enough, as after paying Rs 500 once, the person will not dare repeat the act.
— Amit Shigawan
T here really cannot be any punishment for not wearing a mask in public. The best thing to do is impose heavy fines on offenders so that they are compelled to wear masks on their own. People need to understand that wearing a mask has become an essential thing after the Covid outbreak.
The government should make such citizens undergo counselling sessions to make them understand the importance of wearing masks in the Covid times. While not wearing masks should be dealt with strictness, the government needs to also consider the situation of those who have breathing issues and cannot wear masks for a longer duration.
— Vijaya Tiwarr
During the pandemic, when people are struggling to survive, why are the authorities fining them by increasing the amount? Instead of collecting a fine from the citizens, they should give masks to BMC Clean-Up marshals to distribute among the public, request people to wear masks and create awareness. Even the Clean-Up marshals are yet another level of harassment. They are seen stopping cars at traffic signals and creating chaos.
— Muzzafar Mujawa
In today's world, the social media has a very huge impact on the lives of people. Users are looking for more likes and appreciation. So, why not levy a fine along with a ‘smile please’ without the mask pic on social media where people can openly comment on the negligence of the person? Using the Covid excuse, people say they have no money (when caught) but they can't escape the fine of shaming on social media. — Edwin Dimingo
T he fines should be increased to Rs 2,000 and should be increased further for repeat offenders. If someone is caught for the second time without a face mask, he/she should be fined Rs 5,000, and a third time offender should spend a night in jail. Moral punishments like cleaning or shaming will not work in our set up. The fear of fine and jail will be the best thing to get the offenders to obey rules. — Suraj Shetty
At least in public places such as railway stations, bus stops, religious places, government offices, courts, colleges and schools, sporting a face mask should be rigorously followed. We need to fine Rs 500 for first-time offenders, double it to Rs 1,000 and for five violations, it can be simple imprisonment. So that people take this seriously and it should act as a strong deterrent. —Nilesh Gala
C areless people who are flouting Covid guidelines should be punished by making them wear a PPE kit for the entire day and they should be forced to do social service at government Covid hospitals to make them understand the seriousness of the situation. — Nivedita Shetty
T ime is money. A punishment in a way which costs people their time should be implemented. More like a day of social service or cleaning public places. — Martina William