The Bidhannagar commissionerate launched a drive across several places, including Teghoria, Kaikhali and Salt Lake in northeast Kolkata, against people who were not wearing masks or had them dangling from their chins.
Many were issued ‘stern warnings’ and those who were not carrying any face cover were given masks.
An officer of the commissionerate said the drive was a “continuing process” but they were stressing more on wearing masks because of the surge in Covid cases. “We want to drive home the point that wearing masks in public places was very important.”
The Telegraph had reported on Thursday how Kolkatans had let their guard down and many were spotted without any face covers across the city.
The commissionerate has also sent an advisory to organisers of New Year’s Eve parties as well as authorities of shopping malls and parks to ensure that people adhered to the Covid-19 protocol.
“We have already communicated to all the organisers for strict implementation of Covid-19 norms at places that draw crowds,” said Surya Pratap Yadav, deputy commissioner, headquarters, Bidhannagar commissionerate.
On Thursday, at the Teghoria market off VIP Road in northeast Kolkata, cops rapped both shopkeepers as well as customers who were not wearing masks.
At least two shopkeepers and one shopper were issued warnings.
“Most had masks in their bags or pockets. The moment they spotted our team they took them out and covered their faces,” said the officer.
Public health experts are of the opinion that masks are the first line of defence against Covid and even a fully vaccinated person needs to wear one while out.
At Kaikhali market, a police officer said they got a range of excuses when they asked people why they were without masks.
“Dada, duto vaccine niye niyechi (I have received both the vaccine shots), Ei toh aajkei bhule gechi nite bari theke (I have just forgotten my mask at home today),” these were some of the reasons people out in a crowded place like the market told us,” he said.