Mask mandate returns in Delhi within 3 weeks, ₹500 fine for violation

Coronavirus cases and positivity rate have been on the rise for the past few days in the national capital.

Within three weeks of lifting its mask mandate, the Delhi government Friday made masks mandatory at public places with immediate effect, and imposed a fine of ₹500 for any violation as coronavirus cases rise in the city again.

However, those travelling together in a private four-wheeler are out of the purview of the new rule, according to an order issued by the city's Health and Family Welfare Department.

Though the order does not mention if people travelling in hired cabs and taxis are required to wear masks, a senior official said they are not exempt.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority(DDMA) had in a meeting last Wednesday decided to make masks mandatory at public places with a fine of ₹500 for any violation.

The DDMA meeting, attended by Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal among others, had noted that Covid case positivity rate has been increasing in Delhi over the past fortnight.

In its order on Friday, the DDMA said it took the decision on fine after examining all relevant facts related to the issue of penal provisions for not adhering to the protocol of wearing masks at public places.

"A fine of ₹500 for not wearing of face mask in all public places in Delhi will be imposed from immediate effect till further orders," the DDMA said.