As coronavirus cases surge across Maharashtra, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai has issued a strange, and somewhat controversial order.
They will now test random people at crowded locations, without their consent.
And if any person resists, they can be penalised, and even arrested under the Epidemic Act, 1897.
What exactly is happening here?
Mumbaikars Will Be Tested Without Consent
In a very controversial order that can surely upset several people, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai has announced that they will now test random people at crowded locations.
And they will not even seek any consent from them.
Officials can approach any person, force them to give a test for coronavirus, and if they resist, they will be penalised under Epidemic Act, 1897.
The tests would be mainly Rapid Antigen Test, and no consent will be sought for the tests.
In a statement, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai said, “Rapid antigen testing (RAT) at crowded places like malls, railway stations (for inbound trains), bus depots, marketplaces, tourist places and government offices shall be done randomly. RAT will be carried out without the consent of citizens who are present at these crowded places,”
The statement added, “If the citizen refuses to test, it would amount to an offence under the Epidemic Act, 1897. Hence, action shall be initiated against the offender,”
Which Locations Will Be Targeted?
As per the reports, such random tests will be conducted at crowded locations such as movie theaters, shopping malls, railway stations, roads, even Government offices.
Since there is an upsurge of cases related to coronavirus in entire Maharashtra, especially Mumbai and Pune, this decision has been taken.
The list of stations where such random tests will be conducted are: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai Central, Dadar Western and Central, Bandra Terminal, Andheri, Borivali and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Kurla.
The bus stations where such random tests will be conducted are: Mumbai Central, Parel, Borivali and Kurla.
While 1000 such tests will be conducted at railway stations, 400 tests have been planned at shopping malls.
As per the provisions of Epidemic Act, 1897, there can be no trial or appeal in case action is taken against those who resist such random, non-consensual tests.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.
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