Nearly 3,000 caught without masks on North Goa beaches
The Pernem and Calangute Police in the North Goa district have so far this year caught 2,957 people without masks on beaches and collected Rs. 5.86 lakh as fine from them, officials said on Wednesday. The Goa Police has intensified its drive to penalize visitors violating the COVID-19 protocols and not wearing face covers on beaches, it said.
Goa beaches are seeing huge crowds, especially on weekends
The coastal state has been witnessing huge crowds on its beaches, especially during extended weekends. On Tuesday, Goa reported 127 new cases of coronavirus, raising its tally to 57,839, as per the State Health Department. The police at Pernem, Anjuna, and Calangute, which covers the entire beach belt in North Goa district, have been penalizing people found without masks at the seashore.
Pernem Police has caught 957 people without masks this year
Pernem's Police inspector Jivba Dalvi said they have caught 957 people without masks so far this year and collected Rs 1.86 lakh as a fine from them. The Pernem Police station covers various beaches, including Arambol and Morjim, in North Goa. Last year, the Pernem Police caught 2,600 people without masks and collected a fine of Rs. 3.29 lakh from them, Dalvi said.
Announcements being made at beaches to create awareness
Besides, the Calangute Police caught 2,000 tourists and locals without masks in the last three months and collected Rs. four lakh as a fine from them, another official said. The official said they are also making announcements at the beaches to create awareness among tourists about the importance of social distancing and wearing masks.
