No clarity over mask for lone passenger in car; disputes between police and public

Kochi: The new guideline issued by the Union Ministry of Health ministry regarding masks resulted in arguments between police officers and passengers.

The Union Health Ministry stated that no mask was required if only one person was travelling in a car. However, the police are not accepting the same, pointing out that they did not receive any official order in this regard. 

The disputes started as police continued to impose fine on those who did not wear a mask while travelling alone in their own vehicle. The police are directed to take action if anybody is found without a mask in vehicles in public places. When a person is travelling in a car, it is considered a public place.

However, mask is mandatory only when more than one person is travelling in a car as per the new guidelines. The passengers demanded that fines should not be imposed on people who travel alone in their vehicle without a mask and that more clarity should be sought regarding the new guidelines

New guidelines from Centre

• Mask is not mandatory while travelling alone in a car. No fine should be imposed for this.
• Mask is not mandatory while exercising or cycling alone.
• While cycling or exercising in a group, mask is mandatory.
• Social distancing should be maintained without fail.

Data bank of people not wearing mask

Rs 200 is charged as fine for not wearing a mask. If this is repeated, the fine is increased to Rs 2,000. Fine will be charged if the mask is not worn properly. A data bank including details of the people who were penalized for not wearing masks is being prepared.