Chirang DC issues order for compulsory wearing of face masks

BONGAIGAON, KOKRAJHAR: As instructed by the Government of Assam, Gautam Talukdar, Deputy Commissioner and chairman, District Disaster Management Authority, Chirang, has promulgated an order for compulsory wearing of 3-ply mask or cloth mask fully covering the mouth and nose in public places like market, street, hospital and office, on Tuesday. He issued this order in the interest of maintenance of public hygiene and to prevent further spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the district under the Assam COVID-19 Regulations, 2020, the Disaster Management Act 2005 and the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and other relevant laws in force.

According to the order, no person or official will attend any meeting or gathering without wearing mask. Any person moving around in personal or official or in public vehicle must wear mask compulsorily. Any person working at any site or office or workplace must wear face mask compulsorily. Mask used by one person will not be used by any other person. Single use masks should be properly disposed-off by following due procedure. Cloth masks should be washed properly with soap and hot water and dried after every single use.

The order further stated that anybody violating this order on use of face cover would be punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. The Police Officers, not below the rank of ASI, will compound the offence on payment of Rs 500 for the first, second and third offence and on payment of Rs 1,000 for the subsequent offences. With this order, the Deputy Commissioner has also appealed to all sections of people to strictly maintain all statutory and other directions regarding maintenance of social distancing. This order was issued on Tuesday and it will remain in operative until further order.

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