Special regulations to enforce ‘social distancing’ in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack
BHUBANESWAR: To effectively combat Covid-19 pandemic, the commissionerate police on Thursday framed special regulations that entail strict compliance to the social distance norm in market places in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The law has a penal provision of fine up to Rs 500 for the violation.
The police issued the regulation following an approval by the state home department on Wednesday. “In order to counter the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, the government has been pleased to convey sanction in favour of commissioner of police (Bhubaneswar-Cuttack) to frame and issue regulations under urban police Act 2003. This will prevent congregation of people at market places violating social distancing norms,” the home department’s order said.
“Officers above the rank of assistant sub-inspector (ASI) are empowered for compounding offences under these regulations which includes a fine that may extend to Rs 500,” the order added.
According to the special regulation issued by commissioner of police Sudhanshu Sarangi, owners of all shops and commercial establishments will put in place social distancing measures that mean a distance of at least 2 metres or 6-feet between any two persons. “Owners of shops and commercial establishments in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack must strictly follow the orders issued by the Bhubaneswar municipal corporation and Cuttack municipal corporation on the category of shops that are allowed to open and the timing of their business,” the regulation read.
According to the order, both the shopkeepers and buyers are liable for violating the social distancing norm. “Shop owners must immediately inform the police if buyers refuse to obey the social distancing rule. Shop owners will face severe action and cancellation of their trade licences if they wilfully promote violation of the social distance norm. Non-reporting to the same to the police will attract legal action,” the regulation said.
The special regulation has made it mandatory for shop owners, their employees and buyers to wear face mask. Shopkeepers will not sell commodities to buyers without masks. “All shops should provide hand wash or sanitiser to buyers before allowing them to touch goods. Nobody is allowed to enter market area by chewing paan, gutka and tobacco. Spitting is strictly prohibited,” the regulation said.
On April 17, the Odisha Covid-19 Regulations 2020 framed under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 was modified, making spitting a cognizable and compoundable offence.
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