As promised, the East Singhbhum district administration started cracking the whip to ensure use of face masks, deploying policemen at various checkpoints on Wednesday and slapping fines of Rs 500 on each offender.

"The move is aimed creating awareness. Wearing a mask is mandatory. This, along with following social distancing norms, helps in preventing the transmission of the coronavirus," said an executive magistrate manning a check-point near Keenan Stadium in Bistupur.

Those entering Mango through Jai Prakash Narayan Setu without face masks were stopped near the Khudiram Bose statue at Mango Chowk and fined.

On Tuesday evening, officials of Mango Notified Area Committee (MNAC) went around Dimna Road asking commuters to wear face masks.

The district administration began the ongoing mask checking drive on Monday, November 23. Check-points have been set-up in 10 places at Sakchi, Bistupur, Golmuri, Sonari, Kadma, Jugsalai, Agrico and Parsudih.

During the last two days, those without masks were stopped at these check-points and then let-off after a warning. At some check-points, offenders were asked to kneel down.

Dhalbhum SDO Nitish Kumar Singh has given instructions to officials to ensure that people comply with the rule to wear masks when outdoors. "The drive will continue for a week. Depending on the situation, we will extend the drive," he said.

The district health department has also intensified rapid antigen tests for passengers arriving at Tatanagar station from various destinations.