BBMP: Mask not mandatory for solo drivers in cars

A week after the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued an order specifying situations in which the usage of masks are mandatory in public places, the civic body clarified that a person driving a four-wheeler alone with windows closed need not wear a mask.

Bengaluru: A huge confusion had arisen for the residents of Bengaluru whether there was a need to wear a mask in a car while driving alone with windows closed.

Regarding the same, the Bengaluru Bruhat Mahanagara Palike had sought clarification on the use of masks for solo motorists for the second time because of public criticism. A letter was addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) by BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad seeking clarity on the same.

In an order issued by the BBMP Commissioner on November 2, the civic body clarified that a person driving a four-wheeler alone with windows closed need not wear a mask.

However, the BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad has reiterated in the order that a person riding a two-wheeler must wear a mask.  The rule applies to two-wheeler riders even while riding without a pillion rider.

The clarification comes after citizens were being fined Rs 250 since last week for not wearing a mask while driving alone in a four-wheeler.

This had led to a public outrage following which the BBMP Commissioner wrote to the Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) seeking a clarification on the issue.