Coronavirus: Mumbai Makes Wearing Mask In Public Compulsory, Violators To Be Punished, Says BMC

In view of increasing COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday made it mandatory for citizens to wear masks in public places. It is to be noted that violators will be arrested under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The circular, issued by BMC Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi, said, "All persons moving out for whatever purpose and for whatever reason in public places like streets, hospitals, offices, markets etc must wear mask or cloth mask."

“Anybody violating these instructions will be punishable under section 188 of IPC and will be strictly penalised and arrested by police officers or officers appointed by the assistant commissioners of wards. All these officers are hereby authorised to take any actions to penalise such violators stringently,” the circular added.

In the meantime, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray appealed to citizens to wear masks while going out.

On Tuesday, BMC stated that the coronavirus outbreak in Mumbai has reached the stage of community transmission, The New Indian Express reported.

As many as 773 COVID-19 cases were reported in India in the last 24 hours, taking the total count to 5,194, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday. Whereas, the death count in India rose to 149.

Aldo Read: 773 COVID-19 Positive Cases Reported In India In Last 24 Hours, Total Reaches To 5,194: Health Ministry

It is worth mentioning here that the novel coronavirus, which originated in China, has claimed thousands of lives across the world. Over 14 lakh people have been infected with the coronavirus across the globe, with the global death toll crossing 83,000. With no known cure so far for the coronavirus, the deadly disease has become a major issue for the entire world.

(With PTI Inputs)

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