Health minister Rajesh Tope said the decision was taken following complaints that those supposed to be under home quarantine were seen visiting public places.

MUMBAI: The state on Monday said incoming passengers screened at airports and told to remain under home quarantine are being stamped on the back of their hand, ‘home quarantine’.

“We are using ink that will last for at least 14 days,” said an official. Health minister Rajesh Tope said the decision was taken following complaints that those supposed to be under home quarantine were seen visiting public places. Tope said the stamping will put “social pressure” by helping identify them in public places.

On whether it violates a person’s privacy, Tope said, “The person should not be roaming around. If he violates that, someone who spots him will tell him to go back home. Or the person may not want to venture out with the stamp,” said Tope. He said people must take community distancing seriously and the government was taking steps to ensure it is done.

“Many who are not symptomatic but have come from the seven countries that are on the Centre’s list are being told to stay under home quarantine,” said Tope.

Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said people who do not want to be in a government quarantine facility and do not show symptoms can go home if they self-regulate and stay at home. He said the government was taking the step under section 10 of Epidemic Act, 1897, under which the BMC commissioner can take steps to contain the spread of the virus.

