Kolkata: Though the state government has made it mandatory for all citizens to cover their faces with masks, handkerchiefs or other pieces of cloth while going out of their homes, people on Monday were seen roaming on the streets without covering their faces. In many places, police compelled them to return but no legal action was taken against such offenders as no such instruction has been given out.
According to sources, following the order by the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, both Kolkata and West Bengal Police had started announcing the order. But on Monday morning the scene was no different than other days.
In the naka checking points across the city, police stopped many people driving their vehicles without covering their faces. As there was no specific instruction about taking legal action, police returned them to the direction from which they came.
Several people were allowed to go after they covered their faces with handkerchiefs and convinced police about their urgent needs.
"As there is no specific instruction to take legal action against those coming out of their homes without covering their faces, we are sending them back. If anyone is found on the road who does not have any urgency or is not under exempted category, he/she would be taken into custody and will be handed over to police stations for further course of action," said a traffic Sergeant performing duty on the Park Circus connector.
Joint Commissioner of Police, Headquarters, Subhankar Sinha Sarkar said in this connection: "We are looking into the matter."
Apart from the city, police in other districts also arranged awareness campaigns for the people about wearing masks. Sources informed that Serampore Municipality has informed people that if they do not cover their faces with mask or handkerchief, no one will be allowed to buy ration or fuel.
Meanwhile, the South 24-Parganas administration is implementing a comprehensive awareness campaign focusing on wearing mask as a preventive measure against Coronavirus.
The decision comes a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made wearing masks for people stepping outside homes, especially when in public places, mandatory to check the spread of COVID-19. She had also urged people to use a piece of cloth to cover their mouth and nose if a mask is not available.
"Regarding the use of mask, we have launched a big campaign. Our Civil Defence Team and ASHA workers are visiting house to house, carrying the message to use masks to combat Coronavirius. Through BDOs and SDOs, we are already doing public awareness campaigns. We are also preparing some videos on how to dispose it (mask). This apart, the BDOs, SDOs and police are contacting religious leaders and local associations through which we can reach the masses," said Dr P Ulaganathan, District Magistrate of South 24-Parganas.