To protect the frontline ‘Corona Warriors’ from any attack and violence, the UP government has approved an ordinance with stringent penalties including a maximum jail term of seven years and a fine up to Rs 5 lakh on those found guilty of attacking or harassing health workers treating persons infected with Covid-19.
Principal Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said that the Uttar Pradesh Public Health and Epidemic Control Ordinance, 2020 allows strict action for attacks and misbehavior against health workers, policemen and sanitation workers. Any act of violence or misbehavior against ‘Corona Warriors’ like medical staff, policemen and sanitation workers can attract a jail term of six months to seven years plus a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh.
Violent offenses have been made cognizable and non-bailable. Any corona-infected person hiding himself will be liable for one-three years in jail plus a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs One lakh. Anyone violating quarantine can be punishable for one-three year term plus a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 lakh and the same punishment would await a corona patient who runs away from the hospital.
If a corona patient travels by public transport, then he would face a jail term of one-three years plus a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs two lakh and anyone indulging in obscene behavior during medical treatment will face a one-three year jail term and a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs One lakh. It also has strict provisions for people violating lockdown.
A new body will be created in UP as per this ordinance headed by the CM focusing on controlling the spread of the pandemic. Anyone instigating people against ‘Corona Warriors’ (health workers and cops) will also face a two-five year jail term plus a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh.
