Coronavirus: DGCA issues new directives for all airports to fine mask violators

DGCA coronavirus advisory: Amid growing concerns over the rise of coronavirus cases in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday asked for enhanced surveillance pertaining to COVID-19 protocol at the Airports. In an advisory issued by DGCA regarding coronavirus protocols, it said that the compliance towards Covid protocols during the surveillance of some airports was not found satisfactory. Also Read | Has Punjab govt enforced curfew in the state from 7:00 pm onwards? [FACT CHECK] DGCA further asked all airport operators to ensure adherence to Covid-19 protocol including wearing face masks properly, covering nose and mouth, as well as maintaining social distance within the airport premises. It also asked the airport operators to explore the possibility of taking action, such as levy of spot fines after consultation with the local police authorities. Also Read | New ‘double mutant’ coronavirus variant found in India "During the surveillance of some airports, it has come to notice that compliance is not satisfactory. All airport operators, therefore, are requested to ensure that the instructions on Covid-19 protocol standpoint of wearing masks properly, covering nose and mouth, as well as maintaining social distance norms within the airport premises are followed scrupulously," it stated. "Accordingly, all Airport operators may enhance surveillance towards this end. The possibility of taking punitive action, such as levy of spot fines in accordance with law, shall also be explored with the local police authorities so as to serve a deterent for violation of Covid-19 protocol," it added. Click here to follow PTC News on Twitter. -PTC News