Mizoram issues ordinance to punish people violating prohibitory orders during lockdown

Aizawl, May 4 () The Mizoram government haspromulgated an ordinance that seeks to punish people violatingprohibitory orders during the lockdown, officials said onMonday.

The ordinance for Containment and Prevention ofCOVID-19 was published on the official gazette on Sundaynight.

It said that any person, who exposes the identity ofCovid-19 patients in print, electronic or social media withoutprior permission from competent authority will be punishedwith imprisonment of 3 months or with a fine up to Rs 5,000 orboth.

The order said Rs 5,000 fine will be imposed onpeople, who cross border or enter the state, or organizesocial or religious event without permission or escape fromquarantine facility.

The government will also impose a fine of Rs 300 forspitting in public places, Rs 200 for failing to maintainsocial distancing protocol and Rs 100 for failing to wear maskin public place.

The Ordinance for Containment and Prevention ofCOVID-19 was approved by the state cabinet on Saturday.

The ordinance seeks to punish a person for failing tocomply with any other instruction or guidelines issued by theCentre or state government, including lockdown guidelinesissued from time to time with a fine amounting to Rs 1,000.

It said that a fine of Rs 500 will be slapped againstthose, who fail to comply with instruction or guidelines andendangering the safety of others while staying at designationquarantine facility.

The state government also on Monday set up a committeeheaded by the finance commissioner to study the financialimpact of Covid-19 in the state. CORRG RG