Despite repeated appeals amid threat of third wave, Mumbaikars continue to shun masks, a major weapon against the deadly virus
Clean-up marshals penalise the maskless outside CSMT on September 5. Pic/Atul Kamble
More than one year and two outbreaks later, many Mumbaikars still haven't understood the importance of a facemask against the deadly novel Coronavirus. Despite repeated advice from state Covid-19 task force members, several people are seen either without a mask or wearing one improperly in crowded places like markets and railway stations.
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In just one week, from August 29 to September 4, the BMC and the city police acted against 68,706 violators, according to the official figures. On an average, 9,815 people were fined daily during this duration. Though the number is way down from the daily figure (over 20,000) of February-end, the beginning of the second wave, it is a cause for worry owing to the presence of new and more infectious Covid-19 strains.
In a review meeting held last week, BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal had taken note of the violation of the rule mandating wearing a mask in public places and maintaining a safe physical distance. Police have also been instructed to act against the violators.
The civic corporation said it will appoint more clean-up marshals temporarily. “We have increased inspectors at ward levels, and the action will be more stringent in the coming days. People must wear a mask for their own safety,” said a BMC official.
On February 18, the civic chief issued an order that everyone must wear a mask in public places, including office meetings. He said that any violation will be punishable under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code and a fine of Rs 200 will be imposed by the clean-up marshal. The BMC and police fined 20,414 people daily between February 23 to March 21.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the BMC and police have collected over Rs 65.95 crore in fines from more than 32.78 lakh violators.
Do NOT wear a wet mask, do wear double masks
Some of the doctors on the Covid task force guided the health workers and doctors across the state on Sunday in the ‘maza doctor’ conference organised by the state government. They stressed on the importance of wearing a mask amid the pandemic.
Dr Shashank Joshi said there are different strains of Covid-19 and a mask is effective against all of them. Wearing two masks together makes the shield against the virus even strong. Dr Rahul Pandit advised not to wear a wet mask. “Please change the mask immediately if it gets wet,” he said.
Dr Mehul Mehta said that many people have stopped using masks, thinking that the pandemic has ended. “But the reality is different and the virus will spread fast with the upcoming festive season and gathering at weddings and parties,” Mehta added.
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