The Bengal government has launched a fresh drive across the state to make people aware of the necessity of wearing masks.

Sources said police had been asked to send people back home if they stepped out without wearing masks but no fine or punishment would be imposed.

“It was decided during a videoconference between chief secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay and district magistrates on Monday that the state should ensure wearing of masks during the festive season,” said an official.

A couple of district magistrates from south Bengal said they had deployed more than 100 teams in each district for the campaign.

“The police have been given the go-ahead to ensure that people don’t come out of their homes without wearing masks. During the initial days of the lockdown, the police had played the role proactively. We have to strengthen the measure to prevent rapid spread of the virus,” said the official.