Sonitpur DC directs Police officials to strictly ensure COVID-19 protocol

Tezpur: With a view to check the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the district, a meeting was held on Monday in the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner's office to discuss proper implementation of COVID-19 guidelines in Sonitpur district, such as proper mask wearing and social distancing, as formulated by the Government of Assam.

The meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Manvendra Pratap Singh, was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners Rohan Jha, Satyajit Chetia, Aditional SP Numal Mahatta, Circle Officers and OCs and ICs of various police stations and police outposts of the district.

The officials present in the meeting, while expressing concern about the rising number of COVID-19 positive cases in the district, agreed that strict action was required to be taken against persons violating COVID-19 protocol of wearing face masks in public places.

Deputy Commissioner Manvendra Pratap Singh directed all OCs and ICs present to ensure strict implementation of the guidelines which have made it mandatory for any person moving about in public to wear face masks. The Deputy Commissioner said that in view of the current scenario, it had become mandatory to wear face masks in public as in the absence of a vaccine, it was the only way to stop the pandemic from spreading further. He directed the officials present to impose Rs.1,000 as fine on all such violators as it would deter the public from violating the COVID-19 protocol in the future.

He also asked the officials to take safety precautions for themselves while going about their regular duty and to get themselves tested in case of any health complications. The meeting was held after certain sections of citizens met the Deputy Commissioner and expressed anguish at the rising number of cases in Sonitpur owing to lack of social distancing and failure of the common people to comply with the norm of wearing a face cover in public. Several organizations have also submitted memoranda to the Deputy Commissioner over this issue. Issues related to Durga Puja guidelines, upcoming elections, deployment of manpower, among others were also discussed in the meeting.

Also watch: Assam Celebrates World Rhino Day