Karwar: Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Dr Harish Kumar has instructed the authorities to attract fines on people in even rural areas who are found roaming without face masks.

Speaking with authorities over video conferencing, he said, as people arriving at public places in urban areas have been made mandatory to wear face masks, similar action should be taken in rural areas too. 

He said, maintaining social distance may find difficult, but wearing a face mask is easy. Hence, awareness should be brought among people. The number of COVID testings per day should increase. He instructed officials that those tested positive without symptoms should be kept under home isolation, and those with symptoms shall be taken to hospital. The non-COVID patients should also be given the same importance as that of COVID patients. 

"All government hospitals in the district must treat COVID patients as per the protocol. Modern treatment methods should be used in case of emergencies. If required, with the help of online and virtual platforms, the suggestions from senior doctors can be obtained", he added.

On this occasion, Additional DC H K Krishna Murthi, ASP Badrinath were present.