BMC Directive: People Of Bhubaneswar Told To Wear Masks Or Face Fines

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has closed down some markets and shops for violating social distancing guidelines during the rush for festival shopping. But citizens have also been found to be violating face mask/face covering guidelines.

BMC Commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhary on Saturday issued the  following instructions for strict adherence by all concerned:

1. Shop/business establishment owners shall have to ensure strict maintenance of social distancing among the customers. In case it is found that it is not being maintained, steps will be taken to seal shops, suspension of trade licence and, in extreme cases, permanent cancellation of trade licence after observing due procedure of law.

2. Public, if found not wearing masks and not adhering to social distancing guidelines, will be fined as per government guidelines. Shop/business establishment owners will not entertain any customer who is not wearing masks/face covers.

3. All kinds of outdoor activities like community gathering, Raja Doli, Bagudi, Card Playing etc during Raja festival days is prohibited in the interest of containment of the spread of COVID-19 disease.