Bengaluru: Garuda mall fined Rs 20,000 for not enforcing COVID-19 norms

Bengaluru: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has imposed a Rs 20,000 fine on Garuda Mall for not enforcing COVID-19 protocols at its premises.

BBMP said that following an inspection, it was found that the mall’s authorities were not checking if visitors have taken both vaccine doses.

COVID-19 appropriate behaviours like physical distancing and wearing a mask were also not being followed, BBMP added.

BBMP Chief Health Officer Dr. Balasundar A S said that as this was the first incident, a small amount was collected as a fine just to warn other malls to follow Covid protocol.

BBMP had organized a demonstration for the malls on how to check vaccine status, so there is no excuse for failure to check if the visitors are vaccinated or not, he added.

He further said that BBMP is planning to issue much heavier fines in the future if malls are found not checking vaccination certificates, and ensuring social distancing.