Continue wearing masks: BMC appeals to citizens

BMC has urged people to continue wearing masks at least in public places and while commuting. File pic

The Maharashtra government has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions from today. The wearing of masks will be voluntary. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has appealed to citizens to continue wearing masks as a precautionary measure.

"The threat of the novel Coronavirus has not yet been completely eradicated from the world. As a precautionary measure, citizens should voluntarily wear masks to protect themselves," said Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner.

As per COVID-19 safety guidelines, wearing a mask in public was compulsory. The BMC started fining people who didn't wear masks, from April 2020. From then till March 9, 2022, over R72 crore fine was collected from over 36 lakh offenders who did not wear a mask in public places. On an average, 215 offenders were penalised per ward per day. Initially the BMC recovered R1,000 per violator for not wearing a mask. The fine was then reduced to Rs 200.

Overall, over 45 lakh offenders were penalised and over R91 crore fine has been collected in Mumbai by BMC, Railway authorities and Mumbai police till March 9.

Citizens to comply

Some citizens have decided to comply with the BMC's appeal and use masks. "The administration has urged citizens to use masks voluntarily as COVID-19 is not completely under control, so I will wear masks," said Kiran Loke, a resident of Mulund. "I will use a mask in public and at my workplace as I have to meet many people every day. It will keep me and the people I meet safe," said Seema Khanvilkar, a resident of Malad.