Delhi makes masks mandatory in public places; Check new rules and penalty

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• Aug 11, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Over the past week, there has been an increase in daily covid cases in the national capital... 

Digital Desk: Amid rising covid cases, the government of Delhi has made wearing a face mask in all public areas mandatory, and those caught breaching the mask guidelines will be fined Rs 500. However, those travelling in private four-wheelers will not be subject to the fine under this rule.

Over the past week, there has been an increase in daily covid cases in the national capital. The number of deaths has also been increasing. According to official data, 32 individuals have died in the national capital this month due to covid-19, which is more than a two-fold increase from the last 10 days of July, when 14 people died from the virus. 

As per the latest data, Delhi reported 2146 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, with a positive rate of 17.83%. There were eight reported deaths. As per government statistics, 5.7% of the beds at the 520 covid-positive hospitals in Delhi are occupied by patients who have been diagnosed with the disease.

"Even though the majority of recent cases have been minor, we must take precautions and behave in a manner that is acceptable for those who have Covid in order to stop an exponential spike in cases. The condition tends to be more severe among the elderly and those with comorbidities, leading to hospitalization, ICU admissions, and occasionally death, therefore they should exercise extra caution," said Richa Sareen, senior consultant in pulmonology at Fortis Hospital.

Dr Suresh Kumar, the medical director of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, encouraged the population to take booster dosages and adhere to covid-19 regulations. He claimed that covid's mutation is causing an increase in cases and recommended everyone to get preventative vaccines.

"The coronavirus has a very high mutation rate, which is why the instances are growing. Every time a new COVID variation appears, those who have received vaccinations must likewise overcome them. The antibodies are also harmed by it. However, the majority of infections are minor, and the majority of patients do not require hospital admission, "explained he.

According to data from the Union Health Ministry, 16,299 new coronavirus infections were reported nationwide in the previous 24 hours, while the number of current cases dropped to 1,25,076. With 53 fatalities, the death toll rose to 5,26,879 people. The average daily positive rate was 4.94%.