Kerala to impose fine for not wearing masks

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has made masks compulsory again owing to the rise in the number of Covid cases. Strict action will be taken against those who are found violating the mask rule as per the Disaster Management Act. Fine will be charged if a person is found without wearing masks in public places or workspaces.

The state had eased several Covid restrictions due to the significant fall in the number of Covid cases earlier.Tamil Nadu and Delhi recently enforced strict rules over wearing of masks.

Even though other states are witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases, there is no need for any concern in Kerala, health minister Veena George had said on Monday. But the Minister said awareness campaigns would be stepped up and that wearing masks is a must.

During a high-level COVID-19 evaluation meeting, George said instructions have been given to the authorities to closely monitor the situation in the districts.

“There is no need for concern in Kerala but we will continue to remain vigilant since other states are reporting an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Instructions have been issued to closely monitor the situations in the districts. Only Kochi has witnessed a slight increase in cases,” the Minister said in a release.

She said the district authorities have been instructed to inform the State-level authorities in case of formation of COVID clusters or an increase in the number of cases in a particular region.

George also gave directions to strengthen the vaccination process.