Wearing facial masks in public and workspaces has been made compulsory in the Bengaluru city, India with violations to attract a penalty of Rs 1,000 for the first time as part of measures to fight COVID-19.
Spitting, urinating and littering in public places have also been banned and such acts will be considered as a public offense in the Karnataka capital, according to an order issued by the city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
“Wearing of facial mask to cover mouth and nose is compulsory in public places and in any working space in Bengaluru with more than five people,” the order issued by BBMP Commissioner B H Anil Kumar on Thursday said.
Facial masks and gloves used by any of the households (HHs) and commercial establishments (CEs) should be properly handed over to waste collectors in covers or closed bags as part of sanitary (reject) waste, it said.
Violations of these directions will attract a penalty of Rs 1,000 first time and Rs 2,000 on second and subsequent violations.
The order has come into effect from Thursday mid-night and will continue to remain in force until further orders.
Any person, institution, organization, and others violating these regulations shall be proceeded against by competent authorities empowered under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, Disaster Management Act, BBMP Bylaws, and Indian Penal Code among others, the order said.
Wearing of masks has been made compulsory in several cities in the backdrop of the spread of the coronavirus.
