"No Mask, No Fuel" Rule At Odisha Petrol Pumps To Contain Virus Spread

There are about 1600 fuel outlets across Odisha. (Representational)

The petrol pumps across Odisha today came out with a stringent rule - No Mask, No Petrol/Diesel /CNG - in a bid to strictly enforce government's order making wearing of face masks mandatory while going out of homes.

The fuel outlets decision was announced by Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association general secretary Sanjay Lath in Bhubaneswar.

There are about 1600 fuel outlets across Odisha.

"The decision has been taken to ensure that people follow the government's guidelines", Mr Lath said.

Reports from Bhubaneswar and various parts of the state said that grocery and vegetables shop owners are also denying sale of items to the customers not wearing masks.

Mr Lath said thousands of employees of the fuel stations are putting their lives at risk for the sake of duty and are also susceptible to infection.

"In the process (mask wearing), both the employees and the customers will be protected from the highly infectious disease, he said.

The association general secretary said all filling station owners in the state have been asked to strictly adhere to the social distancing norm in their outlets.

The state government has made it mandatory for the citizens to wear masks while stepping out of homes. It has also decided to impose fines on the violators, Rs 200 for the first three offences and Rs 500 on every subsequent violation.

The must wear mask order came into force from the previous day morning everywhere in the state.

In view of the shortage of N-95 masks in the markets, it allowed people to use a clean handkerchief or a piece of cloth with multiple folds to cover the nose and mouth while going out.

The order exempted children below two years of age and asthma patients.