Penalty for criminal cases, refusal to follow protocol

Deputy Commissioner of Udupi Jagdish on Tuesday asked mall and shop owners to wear masks and ensure social distance was maintained, adding that criminal cases would be registered and penalties would be imposed against violators of the COVID-19 protocol.

Talking to reporters after taking a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the district hospital in Udupi, Mr. Jagdish said that the government has directed the DC to ensure strict adherence to the protocol. In addition to the fines, criminal cases will be filed for disobeying orders passed by public servants, he said.

“There is talk about a second wave. We have seen an increase in numbers in Kerala and Maharashtra. Udupi district is also seeing an increase in numbers. Where the district used to record about six cases (last month), it has now exceeded 20. Similarly, the positivity rate has also increased to about 1.6. Precautionary measures are needed to avert danger.

Guidelines should be strictly followed. In addition to wearing marks and maintaining social distance, guidelines on public works should also be followed. “For the next two days, we will continue the fine. Then we will start filing cases against the violators. It is the responsibility of the shop and mall owners to ensure that all their employees follow the protocol. They should ensure that those entering their premises also wear masks. If they fail to follow the norms then the trade license will be canceled.

A COVID-19 negative certificate is mandatory after RT-PCR testing 72 hours prior to arrival for those entering the district from Kerala and Maharashtra. He asked the people to inform the authorities about the persons who failed to do so. The administration will subject such people to RT-PCR test.

While Udupi ranks second in the state in terms of frontline and number of vaccinations of health workers, DC said with 17,000 seniors and people between the ages of 45 and 59, the district is ranked sixth in the category so far. Village-wise list of senior citizens was prepared. Village-level COVID-19 task force members and health workers were asked to facilitate vaccination of all senior citizens in their areas.

Additional Deputy Commissioner B Sadashiv Prabhu also received the second dose at the district hospital.