Lucknow, May 6 (IANS): The Yogi Adityanath Cabinet on Wednesday passed a draft ordinance allowing provision for fine of up to Rs 5 lakh and jail term of up to seven years as it amended the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, and ensured stricter punishment for those assaulting corona warriors, including doctors, paramedical staffs, police personnel and sanitary workers.

This comes days after the central government brought an ordinance to protect the health workers.

The government spokesman said that the amendment made by the state government -- Uttar Pradesh Epidemic Disease Covid-19 Regulations, 2020 -- will be implemented at the earliest.

This means stern punishment for those who have been insulting and attacking corona warriors including doctors, health workers, police personnel and even sanitary workers who have been on the frontline in the battle against the coronavirus. Spitting on corona warriors will also be an offence under this measure.