The Health department of the Tamil Nadu government has increased the fine amount for people who do not wear masks from Rs 200 to Rs 500/. The Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939 has been amended accordingly.
The order was issued by health secretary J.Radhakrishnan and has been published in the state gazette. Officials can now take action and penalize people who do not wear a proper mask when they step out. The mask has to be worn properly covering the nose and mouth.
According to the director of public health, Dr. T.S. Selva Vinayagam, even though vaccination reduces the risk of disease and death, still there is a risk of infection.
A survey done in the month of November shows that 32% of people used masks in slum areas while 35 % people used masks in non-slum areas and outdoor spaces like streets, markets and in bus stops.
