NEW DELHI: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to do away with fines for not wearing masks and done away with almost all Covid-related restrictions but some rules remain.
“Those visiting hospitals and with ILI (influenza-like illness) and SARI (severe acute respiratory infections) symptoms would have to get mandatorily tested for Covid-19,” an official said on condition of anonymity. “Also, all Covid-19 positive test samples would be sent for genome sequencing to identify the variant causing the infection.”
On the mask fines being removed, the official said, “The mandate to wear face masks has not been removed but those found not wearing a mask in public places would not be penalised anymore. However, they will be advised to wear a mask and follow other safety measures.”
Currently, the fine for not wearing a face mask in public is Rs 500 in Delhi. Last month, the amount had been reduced from Rs 2,000 to Rs 500 by DDMA while it lifted other Covid-related restrictions.
Delhi recorded zero Covid-19 deaths and 113 fresh cases with a test positivity rate of 0.49% on Thursday. Currently, Delhi has 458 active cases and 62 of the 9,791 beds are occupied. So, 99.4% of the beds reserved for Covid-19 patients in hospitals are vacant.
“Notwithstanding the decline in Covid-positive cases, after detailed discussions with experts it was decided to focus on hospital-based sentinel surveillance and enhance vaccination coverage of the targeted population,” LG Anil Baijal tweeted after Thursday's DDMA meeting.
“While appreciating the efforts made by all stakeholders in management of Covid-19, (the meeting) emphasised the need to follow the 5-fold strategy of Test, Track, Treat, Vaccinate and adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour as advised by the ministry of health and family welfare, GOI,” he tweeted. “To effectively meet any scenario in future that may arise, advised all agencies to remain vigilant without lowering the guard,” he said.
