Mysore/Mysuru: Creation of COVID-19 awareness and distribution of face masks to lorry drivers, loaders and other labourers marked the birthday celebration of Narasimharaja (NR) Congress MLA Tanveer Sait in city yesterday.

Congress workers, led by Azeez Sait Block Congress Committee President Abdul Khader Shahid, distributed face masks to lorry drivers, loaders and daily wage labourers at the lorry stand on Jodi Tenginamara Road in Bannimantap here.

Speaking on the occasion , Abdul Khader stressed on the need for mandatory wearing of face mask in the wake of the havoc caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlighting the necessity of wearing face mask as a precautionary and safety measure in the wake of rampant spread of the deadly contagion, he said that anyone who is found not wearing face mask will have to pay an exorbitant fine of Rs.1,000. 

Sensitising the gathering on the measures to be taken for stopping the spread of the pandemic, he said that everyone must understand that prevention is better than cure.

Noting that catching the infection will not only hurt the individual but also every other member of the family, he said that all should realise that health is more important than everything else and as such, all necessary precautions laid out by the Government   must be taken.

Reiterating the need for wearing face mask, use of hand sanitisers and maintenance of physical distancing, Khader said that everyone should join hands in the battle against the deadly virus, which is causing untold havoc across the globe.

Congress workers, who stopped vehicle riders not wearing mask, distributed masks with a warning that not wearing mask would attract a whopping fine of Rs. 1,000 from the Police, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) officials and other authorised staff.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Khader said that Tanveer Sait’s birthday is being celebrated in a purposeful manner by distributing face masks to hundreds of lorry drivers, labourers and the like. 

Pointing out that following directions from the MLA, it has been planned to distribute masks to all the poor in NR Assembly segment in the coming days, he said that at the same time, the people are sensitised on the safety measures they have to follow for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The people are also warned that they have to shell out a hefty fine of  Rs.1,000 if they are found not wearing face mask in public, he added.

City Congress President R. Murthy, General Secretary Shivanna, leaders Syed Iqbal, Sahil Shahinsha, social worker Star Shafi, Corporator Akmal Shariff and others were present during the distribution drive.