Srinagar, May 22 (KNO): Authorities on Friday said that wearing face masks has been made compulsory while visiting public places and government office in twin districts of Bandipora and Ganderbal to prevent spread of Covid-19
Officials told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that it is mandatory for the people now to wear masks whenever they visit any public place or government office to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“It has been decided that from now on, it will be mandatory for everyone to wear masks. In fact, not wearing a mask may invite a penalty as well,” read an order issued by DC Bandipora, Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza.
The order stated that for the universalization of use of masks, more than three lac cotton masks have been distributed in the district to ensure that general public use the masks to contain the spread of virus.
It further stated that with the easing of lockdown, footfall is going to increase at public places and it becomes all the more important for all to use masks at public places.
“Advisories have been issued from time to time to the public to use masks and now it appears expedient to reiterate those directions in the interest of health of general public. The COVID19 pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of use of masks to contain spread of corona virus,” the order reads.
Meanwhile, authorities in Ganderbal have also issued an order, making it mandatory to cover the face with a mask for every citizen. An official said that not adhering to this order would invite legal action under the Epidemic Act and COVID-19 manual 2020. “The police authorities are empowered to take action against the violators,” he said.
Earlier, both the districts were classified as orange zones after majority of the Covid-19 patients recovered from the disease—(KNO)