Marshals to check compliance of Covid-19 rules at weddings in Karnataka

Noticing large scale non-compliance with Covid-19 restrictions by citizens particularly in large gatherings like marriages, conventions and rallies, the state government has decided to crack the whip on citizens violating Covid-19 guidelines.

Scaling up measures to prevent the second wave of Covid-19, the state government is mulling to deploy marshals to marriage parties to enforce wearing of masks and social distancing rules across Karnataka.

Soon after holding a review meeting with all DHOs in the backdrop of a surge in cases in Kerala and Maharashtra, Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar told media persons that a formal order in this regard will be issued by today.

“We have already issued guidelines for food-handlers in catering and hotel business. But what is worrying is the lapse in marriage halls. Be it public, VIPs or VVIPs, no person is wearing masks and adhering to social distance. Hence, we have decided to deploy marshals to check on that in every marriage event and by Monday evening an official order will be issued,” Sudhakar said.

According to sources in the health department, the local administration will deploy a marshal for every marriage event to check on the Covid-19 rule's compliance. If any person is caught violating the rules, they will be penalized besides slapping notice and hefty fines on the organizers.