Police in Jamshedpur are stepping up vigilance to ensure commuters wear masks, the initiative that started on Friday having already led to around 50 violators being fined Rs 500 each.

Deputy superintendent of police (traffic) Shrivendra Kumar made it clear that using a handkerchief or a dupatta (in case of women) as a face cover wasn’t enough. Everybody would have to wear a proper face mask, he said, adding that these measures were being taken in view of the rising number of Covid cases and related fatalities.

Even while in a vehicle or riding a two-wheeler, masks were compulsory, he said. "Those found without masks are being asked to pay a fine of Rs 500. The penalty under Motor Vehicle Act-1988 is being charged in accordance with a notification issued by the state transport department," Kumar told The Telegraph Online.

The DSP pointed out that from Monday, traffic police would carry out a drive to check for masks at all police station areas, beside Sakchi, Bistupur, Jugsalai, Golmuri and Mango traffic stations.

In the past 24 hours, 89 new Covid-19 cases were recorded, taking the total number of cases to 3,630 in East Singhbhum district. Four patients at Tata Main Hospital died, taking the total number of Covid deaths in the city to 130.

The local chapter of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has demanded a change in bank working hours, citing the relatively high number of bankers who were testing positive for the virus.

The forum’s Jamshedpur convenor, Rintu Rajak, said that bank employees dealing with customers were getting infected. "As of Sunday, more than 70 employees posted in various banks in the city have been infected with the coronavirus. As more and more bank employees are getting infected, we want banking hours to be restricted till 2pm instead of 5 pm, he said in a press statement.

“Otherwise, banks should be allowed to function every alternate day to ensure bank staff are safe,” he added.