Delhi increases fine to Rs 2,000 for not wearing mask in public

Tightening the covid-19 measures in the city, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that people who step out in publiac places without wearing a face mask will now be fined with Rs 2,000. The violators were earlier charged with Rs 500.

The announcement was made at a press briefing after an all-part meeting which was held at Delhi secrertrait to dicuss the deteriorating covid-19 situation in the city.

Kejriwal said, "A lot of people are wearing face mask but some are still not adhering to the rules. The fine has now been increased for ₹500 to ₹2,000."

The chief minister also urged all the religious heads and other administrators to ask their staff to promote wearing masks as well as ditribute the masks to those who cannot afford.

During the press conference, the chief minister also requested people to be extra cautious during the ongoing festive season outlining how it have worsened the already vulnerable situation.

Asking people to celebrate chhath puja at home, the chief minister states the hazardous effects of venturing into ponds.

"You can imagine that COVID-19 will be spread on a large scale. So, celebrations are not banned. What is banned is the entering of a large number of people in a pond or river at once. Let's celebrate at homes."

Talking about the all part meeting on Thursday, Kejriwal said that it is not the time for politics and all we want is to ensure the safety of Delhi's residents.

 “Delhi is going through a tough phase. This is not the time to play politics and issue statements against political parties but to work together and serve,” he said.

 “According to experts if 200 people enter a pond and even if one person is infected with the virus then all those who are in the water will 100% get the virus." 

Measurements for Private Hospitals:

The Delhi CM also announced measures for private hospitals to deal with the third wave of covid-19 cases in the city. He said that all the private hospitals have been asked to reserve 80 per cent of ICUS beds for covid-19 patients while 60 per cent of non-ICU beds shall also be dedicated to those infected with the deadly virus. Until the peak of covid-19 cases passes, Private hospitals have been asked to postpone all non-critical surgeries planned for a few days.

The chief minister also thanked all the doctors and healthcare workers for their tireless services in this difficult times.

Image Source: Google