CHENNAI: Not wearing a mask will now cost you Rs 500 as the health department increased the fine amount for non-adherence by amending rules to Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939. Earlier, violators had to pay Rs 200.
The order was issued by health secretary J Radhakrishnan and published in the state gazette on Wednesday. The amendment will allow officials to penalize people failing to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth. “When people step out, they must wear a proper mask... We have increased out vaccination coverage to a large extent and most of our people are double vaccinated. While vaccination reduces risk of disease and death, there is still risk of infection,” said director of public health Dr T S Selva Vinayagam.
An ICMR survey in November showed that mask usage was 32 % in slums and 35 % in non-slum areas in outdoor spaces like streets, markets and bus stops.
