Pune collector warns of stricter action
Pune district Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh has issued fresh orders in view of increasing Covid 19 cases and shall remain in effect from February 18, 2021. The new standard operating procedures were announced in a virtual meeting held on February 16, 2021 chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief minister Ajit Pawar, all divisional commissioners, collectors.
The new order states :
Incident Commanders as well as deputy divisional officer, tehsildar, circle officer, panchayat samiti, police inspector shall conduct inspection at wedding halls, private schools, coaching classes, unaided schools, schools. high schools, colleges, theaters, sports centers, shopping malls, religious places, gardens and other public places and ensure that citizens are following the health protocols such as use of sanitisers, face masks and maintain social distancing.
Also, at such places the number of people exceeds above the prescribed limit and found that there are no sanitisers and people are not using face masks, such organisations shall be sent a notice and imposed fine. Incase the similar situation is found second time, the establishment shall be sealed for the next 15 days. In such cases, police should file a case.
People not using face masks should be fined Rs 500 for the first offence while Rs 1000 for the second offence.
Hotels, restaurants, refreshment centers, banquet halls should follow the prescribed protocols and visitors to such places should use face masks and use sanitiser. This flying squad should check whether the protocols are followed or not and if not fine should be imposed.
Police permission should be sought before organising any public event from the local police station.
The district administration should check the preparedness of the Covid care centers and ensure that beds are made available for the Covid19 patients,
Covid19 tests should be conducted on vegetable vendors, shopkeepers.
Check on super spreaders should be kept by the local authorities and such patients should be kept in isolation ward
Citizens above 65 years old and children 10 years old should not be allowed to enter the premises such as temples. Also, people not wearing masks should not be given passes to visit the temples.
People not following this rule and violating the norms shall be imposed fine under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Epidemic Control Act, 1897.
