BMC tightens COVID19 guidelines; home quarantine stamps must, masks compulsory

February 19, 2021

Amid Covid-19 surge in the state, Mumbai’s civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) tightened Covid-related guidelines in the city.

 

According to the latest revised release, BMC stated that people in home quarantine to be stamped on the back of the hands. It also said that it will appoint 300 marshals to monitor those traveling without masks in trains. Besides, additional marshals will be hired to keep an eye on violators in Mumbai.

 

 

“Hands of those in home quarantine will be stamped. At least 300 marshals will be hired to keep an eye on people traveling in local trains without a face mask. Besides, additional marshals will be hired to keep an eye on violators in Mumbai,” BMC Commissioner IS Chahal said.

 

As per the new rules, if five or more Covid-19 patients are found in a building, it will be sealed. Maharashtra on Thursday evening recorded 5,427 new Covid-19 cases. Of these, 736 cases were reported from Mumbai.

 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to file first information reports (FIR) against home-quarantine violators and then send them to mandatory institutional quarantine, under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. The high-risk contacts of Covid-19 positive citizens in Mumbai may face up to six months imprisonment, or a fine of at least ₹200, or even both, if they do not remain in-home quarantine, the BMC has ruled.

 

According to the circular issued by BMC, it is mandatory for people to wear masks while using public transport, commuting in public places such as streets, footpaths, markets, shopping centres, malls, restaurants, gymnasiums, offices, clinics and hospital premises and also at wedding ceremonies and religious places of worship.