Greater Chennai Corporation steps up its vigilance at markets – Times of India

CHENNAI: Greater Chennai Corporation has intensified vigil at commercial places and market areas in the festive season to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi has urged members of the public to ensure they wear their masks and maintain social distancing in public places. “During the festive season, we do not want them to drop their guard. They should follow he Covid protocols and ensure they wear masks. We have already asked all commercial establishments to follow the protocols. We urge the public also to cooperate and help in curbing spread of the virus,” he said. The corporation was deputing more officials to ensure people followed norms. “The public should cooperate and ensure the spread of covid is under control,” he said.
A total of Rs 1.46 lakh in fines was collected on Thursday alone from 668 individuals, 62 shops and commercial establishments, 5 marriage halls and organisers of 21 public events for violation of Covid norms. On Friday as well hundreds of people were penalized and the penalty collection crossed Rs 1.1 lakh till 7pm. “We focused on malls and wholesale shops selling puja items and flowers,” said a corporation official.
At market places and shopping complexes, vaccination drives and camps will be held over the weekend. “We have deployed 15 zonal enforcement teams comprising police personnel and corporation officials. We have vaccinated more than 80% of the population in the city. We will increase this by setting up camps at market areas and commercial establishments as well. Already we have vaccinated all the employees in all these shops and markets,” said regional deputy commissioner (south) Simranjeet Singh Kehlon.