(IDEX Online) - Three diamond factories in Surat, India, have been fined for breaching COVID-19 rules.
Workers were not wearing masks or keeping a social distance, according to The Indian Express news website.
Officials made unannounced checks in the Katargam zone of the city after 16 of those who tested positive for coronavirus were found to be diamond workers.
Amrut Gems, Bhagwati Gems and Shreejee diamonds were each fined Rs20,000 ($264) for violating guidelines and they agreed to abide by them in the future.
The Gem Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said factory owners suffered huge losses during lockdown and were working hard to meet the demands with a limited workforce.
Those patients diagnosed with COVID-19 are being treated at New Civil hospital, relatives have been quarantined and factory premises have been sanitized.
Generic pic of Indian diamond polishers, for illustrative purposes only