East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Suraj Kumar turned into Incident Commander and took to streets last night to ensure that people wear masks and comply with social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Kumar, along with his team inspected Marine Drive road, which is frequented by youths to ensure whether people are following the guidelines of COVID-19 or not. He intercepted several youths flouting norms and took them to task.

He warned the youths that maintaining social distancing norms, wearing masks and sanitising shops twice a day has also been made mandatory as per the directions of the Union Home Ministry.

“We are conducting surprise inspections of various areas. The DC himself is taking to streets to nab those found violating norms,” said an official.

As part of the guidelines on COVID-19 management under Disaster Management Act 2005, Jamshedpur police have also put a complete ban on pillion riding on two wheelers. 

The rules include - ban on pillion riding on two wheelers and incase of cars, only drivers and one person on the back seat is allowed and wearing of face masks has been made compulsory.

The police today embarked on a drive to nab those violating orders.

City SP Subhash Chandra Jat said that pillion riding has been banned in the city and people are being requested to follow the orders. The decision has been taken in the wake of rising cases of pandemic COVID-19. He said those nabbed are being told about the decision.

He said that the idea is to make people follow guidelines on social distancing. People visiting doctors or attending emergency work have been exempted from the orders.

The administration has also made it mandatory for everyone to wear a mask (either three-layered or made of cloth) if they are outside their homes. And those violating this rule are being booked by police.

An official informed that if anyone found roaming without a mask will be booked under section 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of IPC.