At least 189 people were fined under the Containment and Prevention of COVID-19 Ordinance 2020 for violating lockdown protocols within 24 hours, a police statement said on Wednesday.
Of the 189 people, 174 were fined for entering a public place without wearing a mask, 12 for failing to comply with lockdown rules, 2 for failing to maintain social distancing and 1 for spitting in public, the statement said.
A total of Rs 30,100 has been collected from the offenders, it said.
The statement also said that altogether 5,208 people have been fined for violating “Containment and Prevention of COVID-19 Ordinance 2020” since it came into effect on May 4.
Over Rs 11.2 lakh has been collected as fine from the offenders, it said.
With 2,517, Aizawl district has the highest offenders, followed by Lunglei district at 486 and Serchhip district at 352.
At least 331 people were fined for violating the ordinance in Lawngtlai district, 290 in Saitual district, 232 in Mamit district, 76 in Kolasib district, 236 in Champhai district, 58 in Khawzawl district, 245 in Hnahthial district, 276 in Siaha district.
According to the Containment and Prevention of COVID-19 Ordinance 2020, promulgated by the state government on May 3, any person, who exposes the identity of COVID-19 patients in print, electronic or social media without prior permission from competent authority will be punished with imprisonment of 3 months or with a fine up to Rs 5,000 or both.
Rs 5,000 fine will be imposed on people, who cross border or enter the state, or organizing a social or religious event without permission or escaping from quarantine facility, the ordinance said.
The government also imposes a fine of Rs 300 for spitting in public, Rs 200 for failing to maintain social distancing protocol and Rs 100 for failing to wear a mask in a public place.