New Delhi: The Delhi government on Friday made masks mandatory at public places with immediate effect, and imposed a fine of Rs 500 for any violation. However, the rule on fine will not be applicable on people travelling together in private vehicles. The Health and Family Welfare Department's order comes in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in the city.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority(DDMA) had in its meeting last Wednesday decided to make masks mandatory at public places. Through an order on April 2, the Delhi government had lifted the penalty of Rs 500 on not wearing face masks at public places as cases were fairly under control then.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government has asked district magistrates to form teams to ensure implementation of the mandatory mask rule in the city that comes into effect from Friday. However, sources said in view of the government offices running with full capacity and their staff withdrawn from COVID-19 duties, it will be a challenge to enforce the mask mandate. "This time we will form fewer teams because not much manpower is at our disposal. Also, we expect people to cooperate and use face masks like they did during the height of the pandemic," a senior government officer said.