Hand stamping, prosecution, raids in Mumbai to check COVID-appropriate behaviour

Mumbai, Feb 19: The civic authorities in Mumbai claimed down with fresh safety measures as the number of COVID-19 cases witnessed a surge.

An order from Municipal Commissioner, Iqbal Singh Chahal said that those flouting rules for home isolation, weddings and public gatherings will be prosecuted.

The civic body also said that 300 marshals will be appointed to take action against passengers travelling without a mask in suburban railways. The aim is to catch 25,000 offenders everyday.

Orders have also been issued to raid marriage halls, clubs, restaurants etc to check COVID-appropriate behaviour. The order also said that buildings with more than 5 COVID-19 patients will be sealed and those who test positive and have been advised home quarantine will have their hand stamped.

Those who flout rules will be prosecuted. Passengers coming to Mumbai from Brazil will be put in compulsory institutional quarantine.

Meanwhile, the district administration of Yavatmal in Maharashtra has ordered a 10 day lockdown from Thursday night. On the other hand, the Amaravati district administration declared a weekend lockdown from 8 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Monday amidst the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Markets and other establishments will remain shut, but essential services will remain unaffected. The district collector of Yavatmal, M D Singh said that the number of coronavirus cases in the district has been increasing since February 1 and as of Wednesday, the district had 606 active cases. Almost 80 to 90 per cent of the new cases were being reported from Yavatmal, Pandharkawda and Pusad cities, Singh also said. He also said that they had decided to conduct 500 tests per day Yavatmal, Pandharkawda and Pusad municipal corporations.

The collector of Amravati, Shailesh Naval said that all establishments including hotels and restaurants would stay open only till 8 pm as opposed to the earlier timing of 10 pm on weekdays. "In view of a spurt in COVID-19 cases, I have decided to impose a weekend lockdown in the district. To avoid any stricter lockdown in the future, I appeal to people to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour," he also said.

Swimming pools and indoor games too would remain closed. Only five people will be allowed at religious ceremonies, he also added.

In the highest one day count in more than two months, Maharashtra reported 4,787 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday.