The Govt. of India has further amended the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 by the Epidemic Disease (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 with immediate effect.

The key features of the amendment which is applicable throughout the country are as follows:

1. Any person indulging in any act of violence or abetting the commission of an act of violence against a healthcare service personnel which includes any public and clinical healthcare provider such as doctor, nurse, paramedical worker and community health worker or cause any damage or loss to any property during an epidemic shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months, but which may extend to five years, and with fine, which shall not be less than fifty thousands, but which may extend to two lakh rupees.
2. Further whoever, while committing an act of violence against a healthcare service personnel, causes grievous hurt as defined in section 320 of the Indian Penal Code to such person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months, but which may extend to seven years and with fine, which shall not be less than one lakh rupees, but which may extend to five lakh rupees".
3. Act of violence besides harm, injury, hurt, intimidation or danger to the life of such healthcare service personnel, either within the premises of a clinical establishment or otherwise will also include harassment impacting the living or working conditions of such healthcare service personnel and preventing him from discharging his duties.

(DIPR)