Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation implements the 'No Mask, No Entry' campaign

Coronavirus cases across areas in Navi Mumbai have been declining significantly. Officials have created awareness among the general public that since there is no vaccine available yet, wearing a mask and following the norms is the only way to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Citizens have been also been asked to maintain a safe distance from each other and wash hands frequently to reduce the possibilities of the infection.

These actions have been implemented successfully under the guidance of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) Municipal Commissioner, Abhijeet Bangar. To ensure stronger implementation of the same, the civic body and UNICEF have collaborated for the 'No Mask, No Entry' campaign, which will help people understand the importance of masks.

The campaign was launched simultaneously across all the eight divisional offices of the corporation, and present at the same were Medical Officer of Nerul Division, Dr Devika Deshmukh, UNICEF representative, Dayanand Katke and other dignitaries from the concerned departments.

Under this campaign, every citizen is being made aware of the importance of wearing a mask, the kind of mask to be chosen, how to use and dispose of the same. On the launch day of the campaign, a total of 1,000 recyclable cloth masks were distributed among the citizens in each area and information was shared on methods to recycle them. The message of 'No masks, no entry' as mentioned on large hoardings and signboards in crowded places. NMMC  will also share the message on bus panels, posters, in shops, stickers and through audio messages, to ensure the campaign is implemented effectively in the months of November and December.

The 'No Mask, No Entry' campaign is aimed at convincing the citizens about health benefits and steps to ensure safety. Office, buses, rickshaw, taxis, other public transport, shops, etc. have been asked to remain strict with the people if the mask is not worn. Moreover, citizens will have to understand its importance the risk of infection to others if not worn. The state government has also directed the local bodies to impose fine of INR 200 if citizens are seen flouting norms and nor wearing masks in public, or not wearing it the right way.