Violation of Covid-19 safety norms are all set to cost the violators dear in Punjab with the State Government enhancing the penalties for violating the instructions and guidelines issued to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

So, the next time you step out of your house, make sure to wear a mask and abide the social distancing norms as the violators will have to shell out fine, ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 3,000.

As per the latest order by the state Health and Family Welfare Department, the penalties, imposed by the state government vide order dated May 15, 2020, have been enhanced “for better management and control of Covid-19”.

According to the order, issued by the Director Health Services Avneet Kaur, a penalty of Rs 500 has been fixed for those who don't wear a mask in public places or for spitting in a public place.

For violating home quarantine instructions, a fine of Rs 2,000 will be imposed on the violators. A penalty of Rs 2000 will also be imposed for violating social distancing norms by owners of shops or commercial places, and also for violating social distancing norms by car owners.

However, for violating the social distancing norms by the owner of buses, they have to pay a fine of Rs 3000, while for the same violation in auto rickshaws or two-wheelers, the fine has been fixed at Rs 500.

“The Government has enhanced the penalties in case of violation of instructions and guidelines issued to contain the spread of coronavirus to further strengthen the management and control of Covid-19,” said the state Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, in the high-powered review meeting of Health Department.

Taking cognizance of violation reports about the instructions and guidelines concerning the Covid-19 across the State, Sidhu pointed out that penalties need to be enhanced and made more stringent to keep Punjab safe from the claws of pandemic.

The Minister made it clear that an officer, not below the post of Block development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), Naib Tehsildar, and any official authorized by the Deputy Commissioners, can impose the penalties under the provisions of Epidemic Disease Act, 1897.

“The non-payment of fine by the violators will attract legal action under section 188 Indian Penal Code (IPC) as per regulations framed under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897,” said the Minister.