This story is from April 2, 2020

Shopkeepers in Secunderabad pulled up, fined for flouting social distancing norms

In a first, officials of the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) penalised shopkeepers for flouting the lockdown norms on Wednesday.
Shopkeepers in Secunderabad pulled up, fined for flouting social distancing norms
Shops and pharmacies across the city have been marking blocks to ensure social distancing
SECUNDERABAD: In a first, officials of the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) penalised shopkeepers for flouting the lockdown norms on Wednesday.
Two grocery stores in Pedda Thokatta and Bowenpally were fined for not drawing markings in front of their stores to ensure social distancing.
“We have imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 on these two shopkeepers. Three days ago, we warned the shopkeepers to mark the blocks due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Wednesday, we found a few people standing close to each other at the cash counters. The shopkeepers did not caution them to maintain social distance,” Mahender, SCB senior sanitation wing inspector, told TOI.
He said that the penalties were imposed as per section 289 (danger to public safety/nuisance) of Cantonment Act 2006 and added that the violators will not be spared. “If they continue flouting the rules we will not hesitate to seal their shops,” Mahender said. SCB officials began inspections on Wednesday to ensure if shopkeepers were following the lockdown norms and ensuring that people do not crowd at their stores. Soon after the Centre announced the 21-day lockdown, orders were issued to all Cantonment board chief executive officers to make necessary arrangements to ensure that people can avail all essentials items like food and medicines during the lockdown period.
Further, SCB officials launched massive awareness campaigns last week to educate the public on preventive measures to stop te spread of the virus and social distancing. “All advisories issued by Centre are being strictly adhered to by the Cantonment Board,” said a senior SCB official.
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