Rs 200 penalty for drivers, passengers without mask
Kohima, June 12 (MExN): Following the State government’s order on June 9 allowing taxis and auto rickshaws to ply on odd-even basis, additional measures have been issued on June 12 in order to ensure the safety of both the drivers and the passengers.
According to an order issued by the State Home department on Saturday, the additional measures have been taken so that the District Task Forces can streamline the system.
Taxis and auto rickshaws have been permitted to operate with a maximum of 2 passengers only without any passenger in the front seat.
If any passenger is found not wearing mask, the offender and the driver of the taxi/auto rickshaw will be fined an amount of Rs 200 each, the order stated.
As far as possible, the driver of the taxi or the auto rickshaw should disinfect the frequently touched area such as door knobs, door handles etc. after every trip, and should compulsorily keep hand sanitizer in the vehicle, the order added.
The production of negative COVID-19 test report by the driver may be from any of the tests-RAT/ RTPCR/TrueNat/CBNAAT. Testing shall be free of cost, the order informed.
All the drivers coming into contact with the public may be vaccinated at the earliest as per criteria of the Government of India, and pending complete vaccination, they should carry COVID-19 negative test result valid up to 15 days.
However, for a driver who has a full vaccination certificate, the COVID-19 negative test result may not be required.
A driver, who completely isolates himself by putting a plastic barrier/sheet in the vehicle between himself and the passenger, may be exempted from the requirement of carrying COVID-19 test report, as per the order.
Mingling and overcrowding with other drivers and crowding at the taxi/auto rickshaw stand(s) should be avoided. Any driver showing COVID-19 like symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, loss of smell/taste, diarrhoea etc. should immediately isolate and get tested, the order stated.
The Deputy Commissioners and Chairpersons of District Task Forces on COVID-19 have been advised to immediately take steps for ensuring adherence to the additional guidelines.
