'No fines now for not wearing mask in UP'

Noida: Chief medical officer Dr Sunil Kumar clarified on Saturday the health department issued an advisory telling people to wear masks two days ago, but those not wearing masks will not face fines.

"It is to clarify that guidelines issued by the health department on face masks is an advisory for the public. It has no provision of fine for not wearing a face mask," the CMO said on Saturday.

On Thursday, the health department issued detailed guidelines for following COVID protocols in public places and hospitals. It advised people to wear masks, use sanitisers and maintain social distancing.

On Saturday, the city added 141 new cases, with this there are 560 active cases in Noida now. The health department conducted 990 COVID tests. At least 45 patients also recovered on Saturday. Of the active cases, 12 are in hospitals, while others are in home isolation. Meanwhile, 15 teams with the health department are working on contact tracing of people.

Neighbouring Ghaziabad recorded 64 positive cases, with 357 active cases in the city now. The health department conducted 1,008 tests.