People flouting Covid-19 protocols in Tripura will now have to face a penalty of Rs 200, which will double to Rs 400 if they flout again.

Tripura chief secretary Secretary Manoj Kumar issued a directive on Tuesday, imposing certain restrictions in view of the recent rise in positive cases in the state.

As per the order, people will have to maintain social distancing and wear face masks if they venture out of their houses and also while driving.

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Those without face masks will be fined Rs 200 for the first time and Rs 400 for their subsequent violation of protocols.

A total of 10 people have tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours, among who three arrived from outside Tripura.

The order also directed shopkeepers to maintain a certain distance while attending to customers in market areas.

Those not adhering to this rule will be fined Rs 1000, which is at par with the directive issued by the Union health ministry that will remain in place till April 30 this year.

A total of 86 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Tripura in March this year.

The total number of positive cases in Tripura is 33503 people so far, among which 33042 have been cured of the infection.

The disease has claimed 389 lives in the state.