Due to the unprecedented spurt in Covid-19 cases in the last few weeks, the Telangana government on Saturday made it mandatory for all citizens to wear masks while venturing out into public areas. It announced that those violating the orders will be subjected for stringent punishment or even imprisonment.
Wearing masks is one of the most important interventions to curb Covid-19. People need to wear masks at work spaces and public means of transport across the state read the order, issued by Telangana chief secretary Somesh Kumar.
Any violation in this regard shall receive prosecution under section Section 51 and 60 of Disaster Management Act 2005 and Section 188 of Indian Penal Code. Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act states that anybody who is caught obstructing an officer or employee from performing their duties will be fined or imprisoned or both too.
While the order also said it decided that public gatherings/observances, rallies or congregations should will be disallowed in the state during forthcoming religious events such as Shab-e-Barat, Holi, Ugadi, Rama Navami, Good Friday, Ramzan and others till April 30.