The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to make masks mandatory again in public places in the national capital region. The decisions were taken during a review meeting attended by Lt. Governor Anil Baijal, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and senior officials from the health department.
While an INR 500 fine will be imposed on violators, DDMA has 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.
Vigilance drives will be carried out in markets and other crowded places to maintain social distancing norms, as COVID-19 cases see an uptick again.
‘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’ officials said.