Besides fine, COVID test done on those failing to wear mask

Though Thanjavur City Corporation has been levying a fine of Rs 200 fine on those who failed to wear masks, it has had little effect on ensuring compliance. So Collector M Govinda Rao instructed officials to start random inspection at key spots within the Corporation limit.

On Thursday, while inspecting the situation on the main road after launching a mobile COVID testing facility, Collector Rao and Corporation Commissioner Janaki found many residents moving about without masks. The Collector instructed officials to levy fine and also subject the violators to the test.

Subsequently, they also stopped motorists who were not wearing masks and levied a fine of Rs 200 and sent them to the mobile testing facility.

Speaking to the media, Collector Rao said as part of creating awareness among the public about the compulsory wearing of masks, the district administration conducted a surprise inspection and also made 30 violators undergo the test. This would be done across the district, he said, adding that Rs 23 lakh has so far been collected as fine from 11,000 residents across the district for various violations of pandemic norms.