In the wake of the pandemic, many countries have enforced fines and penalties for people not wearing masks in public areas. However, In Bhutan, it is believed that it is a much more sustainable approach to empower people to shoulder the responsibility themselves than imposing fines. The Health Minister highlighted this during the press briefing held yesterday.
According to Health Minister Dechen Wangmo, many countries have started with fines and penalties for not wearing masks in public places. In India, people violating the rules have been fined with Rs 500 to 1000 and more to the repeated offenders. Likewise, in some countries, it is as high as 300 dollars, which will be around Nu 21,000 in Bhutan.
“Let us empower our people to change their behaviour. If we can do this, then we can achieve other things. Eat healthy, like fruits, vegetables and limit oil consumption. ‘Our Gyenkhu’, if we utilise it well, not only coronavirus but it will help in preventing other non-communicable diseases as well, and exercise. We are of the opinion that empowering our citizens is far better than introducing fines and penalties. So I hope the public is with us for taking this forward,” Lyonpo said.
Despite the government’s no intent to impose fines and penalties for not wearing masks, volunteers in the county are strictly monitoring the compulsory usage of mask in public areas.
Pema Seldon Tshering/Tshering Zam
