PANAJI: Making covering of face in public places compulsory with immediate effect as a preventive measure against spread of COVID-19, the State government on Friday decided to impose fine of Rs 100 if any person is found without covering the face in public places. The government has also stated that face cover shall include masks available with the chemists or even home-made washable masks. In an order issued on Friday, Under Secretary (Health) Swati Dalvi has stated: "In pursuance of clause IX of Regulation 12 and Regulation 14 of the Goal Epidemic Disease, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020, the Government of Goa in order to prevent spread of COVID-19 in the State of Goa, hereby directs that all persons shall wear face cover compulsorily in all public places, work places including on streets, hospitals, working sites, etc." "Any person violating above instructions shall be liable for penalty of Rs 100. In case of non-payment, the person shall be liable for action under section 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860," said the order. The order further said that for the purpose of 'face cover' shall include mask available with the chemist or even home-made washable masks which can be used after proper washing and disinfecting them.