NEW DELHI, April 20: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday decided to make masks mandatory again in public places in the national capital and reintroduced fine of Rs 500 for violation of the mask rule.
The order was issued in view of the deterioration in the Covid situation in the national capital as Delhi registered 632 Covid-positive cases on Tuesday. The positivity rate in the capital was 4.43 per cent. At present, 1,274 patients are under home isolation and there are 625 containment zones in Delhi.
The decisions were taken during a DDMA review meeting attended by LG Anil Baijal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Revenue Minister Kailash Gehlot and senior officials from the health department.
Official sources said the DDMA decided to allow schools, markets and other economic activities to continue in adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The authorities have also decided to conduct random tests at metro stations, markets, and other public places to curb the spread of infection. Drives will be carried out in markets and other crowded places to maintain social distancing and enforce Covid-19 protocols, the official said.
“Further, a decision has been taken to keep a close watch on the situation as B.1.10 and B.1.12 variants of Covid-19 are said to be more transmissible. The hospitalization trend will also be closely monitored for the next fortnight and genome sequencing of all RT-PCR positive samples will be conducted,” the official said. The departments concerned have been asked to keep a watch on social gatherings like wedding events and demonstrations, among others.
(Manas Dasgupta)
