In Punjab, Rs 5K fine for violating home isolation

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 23

Covid patients violating home isolation rules in Punjab will have to shell out a fine of Rs 5,000 instead of Rs 2,000 earlier, according to new guidelines announced by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today.

Acting tough

• Rs2,000 is the existing fine for those violating home quarantine
• Rs5,000 will be penalty for eateries not maintaining social distancing
• Rs10,000 will be the fine for violations at social gatherings

At present, 951 patients are in home isolation across the state. The owners of eateries violating physical-distancing norms will be slapped a penalty of Rs 5,000. Those breaching minimum-distancing and permitted-strength regulations at social gatherings would invite a fine of Rs 10,000, as per the guidelines announced via a video-conference to check the spread of the pandemic in the state.

Under the existing guidelines, commercial establishments are liable to pay Rs 2,000 for violation of physical-distancing norms. For buses and cars, such violations are punishable by Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 fine, respectively. In case of auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers, the fine is Rs 500. The fresh penalties are in addition to Rs 500 each announced in May for not wearing a mask and spitting at public places. An average 5,000 violators are challaned daily for not wearing masks across Punjab.