By Sanjaya Kumar Mishra, Gaur, Apr. 22: Considering a massive surge in daily infections of the novel coronavirus, the local administration at Gaur, in Rautahat district, has decided to punish those who do not wear masks in public places.

After the Gaur residents continued defying the public health and safety measures to prevent the infection despite multiple requests by the local administration, the police in the district have started charging Rs. 100 fine from those refusing to wear masks.

Following the second wave of the pandemic in India, the District Administration Office, Rautahat said that it had been appealing to the locals to stay on high alert and abide by all the safety measures prescribed by the government.

Rautahat DAO and Gaur Municipality have also been distributing masks for free at Gaur Bazaar. Chief District Officer of Rautahat Indra Dev Yadav, Superintendent of Police Siddhi Bikram Shah, and mayor of Gaur Municipality Ajaya Kumar Gupta on Wednesday distributed masks to the drivers and passengers of buses, trucks, trippers, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians at Gaur Bazaar free of cost.

Distributing the masks, CDO Yadav requested everyone to remain on high alert and follow safety measures in order to save themselves and society from the ongoing pandemic.

Likewise, mayor Gupta said, "Everyone must wash their hands regularly, sanitise themselves and their surroundings, maintain physical distancing and continue wearing masks to curb the spread of the virus."