Pune: Amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the Pune district, Pune Rural Police recently issued a new order for organising weddings and other related events.

"There is a rapid increase in the spread of COVID-19. The Pune rural police has limit the number of guests allowed at the wedding and other related events to 50. If people are found violating the rules of the same, strict action will be taken against the concerned people,” a circular issued by Superintendent of Pune Rural Police Dr Abhinav Deshmukh read.

The circular further read, “Hoteliers and wedding hall owners should follow the instructions and conditions stated in the circular. The employees of the wedding hall should keep a check on the list of people invited for weddings and other ceremonies. Violation of the rules will result in penal action.”

Bhausaheb Patil, Police inspector of Yavat police station, said, “Some people think that spread of COVID-19 infection is diminished. After the government has given some relaxations on the lockdown, some people are seen violating the COVID protocols. Everyone should strictly follow the rules given by the government. If anybody found violating the guest rule limit at the wedding ceremony, strict action will be taken against the concerned parents and the wedding hall owners.”

Taluka Health Officer Dr Ashok Rasage said that overcrowding leads to the rapid spread of the infection. The vaccine is not yet on the market. Therefore, people should be aware of. All must wear masks and use sanitisers at weddings and other functions.

Meanwhile, the district reported 1,080 new cases on Saturday which took the tally to 3,21,885. Over 20 people lost their lives amid the contagion with death total in the district now stands at 8,358. On the positive front, 763 people were fully recovered in the past 24 hours.