Amid fear of the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic, the East Khasi Hills district administration has warned of stringent action against persons found not wearing masks properly.
“A casual attitude towards proper mask wearing can potentially cause rapid transmission of the virus, hence endangering lives and may be considered an offence for which action will be taken as deemed fit and proper,” said an order issued by the Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo today.
The order also said that in view of the highly infectious Omicron variant which is rapidly rising in different parts of the country, mask wearing has been classified as an important strategy to suppress transmission and save lives.
To prevent further transmission of the virus, the order said the people who step out of their homes, move in public or interact with persons not from their households should wear a three-ply surgical mask or N-95 mask.
It also said that if a cotton mask is worn, it must be layered with a three-ply surgical mask underneath.
The order also said that wearing of mask on chin or lowering of mask while speaking or wearing mask without covering the nose must be avoided at all costs.
“People who are mobile or move around frequently are advised to wear masks inside their homes as well, especially when around elderly or co-morbid family members,” the order further said.
