To further strengthen the management and control of COVID-19, the Punjab government on Friday increased the penalties for violation of guidelines relating to containment of the virus, ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000.

Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said penalties need to be increased and made more stringent to keep the state safe from the virus.

He said Rs 500 penalty will be imposed for not wearing a mask and spitting in public places; Rs 2,000 for violating home-quarantine instructions and violating social distancing norms by owners of shops, commercial places and public transport buses and auto-rickshaws; and Rs 3,000 for violating social distancing norms in cars.

Also Read: 40.7 Million American Workers Seek Unemployment Benefits

The Minister said non-payment of fine would attract legal action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code as per the regulations framed under the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897. (IANS)