Chandigarh, March 20
In view of fresh surge of COVID-19 in the state, Joint teams of the Punjab Police on Saturday, persuaded over 4,400 face mask violators to undergo RT-PCR testing.
In addition, 1,800 people were challaned as they were found not wearing face masks. The Police also distributed free face masks to over 12,000 people.
The move came a day after the Chief Minister Punjab Capt Amarinder Singh ordered enforcement of Face Masks in the state and directed the Police and Health authorities to take all those moving around and loitering in public areas, and on the roads and streets, without Face Masks, to the nearest RT-PCR Testing Facility for taking nasopharyngeal swabs to ensure that they are not asymptomatic Covid cases.
Director General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta, while divulging details, appealed to the people of the State to wear Face Masks, comply with number limits on social gatherings and avoid crowded places, for their own protection and that of their fellow citizens.
DGP said that apart from getting people tested for COVID and issuing Challans, the Police have also registered 7 FIRs against violators in the state.
While appealing to the public to strictly adhere to safety protocols and leave their homes wearing face masks only, DGP Dinkar Gupta said that the COVID testing and challaning drive will continue to keep the people of Punjab safe from the virus.