The rollback of the mask rule comes amid a drop in coronavirus cases in Delhi. (File)
New Delhi:
No fine will be imposed anymore for not wearing masks in public places in Delhi, authorities have decided, as only fewer cases of coronavirus are being reported in the city.
A Rs 500 penalty for not wearing mask in public was reimposed by the city authorities this April due to rising Covid cases.
The decision to withdraw the penalty rule was taken at a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). A formal order has also been issued in this regard.
The withdrawal of the mask rule comes amid a drop in coronavirus cases in the national capital, which recorded 74 infections on Tuesday with a positivity rate of 1.07 per cent.
Meanwhile, three Covid care centres in the city will also be dismantled and the land will be vacated in view of the declining cases. Besides, services of contract employees working at Covid hospitals have been extended till the yearend.
Authorities have stressed on the need to keep a continued vigil against COVID-19 in view of the festival season.
Notably, in August, the Centre had written to Delhi and a few other states, pointing out mass congregations during the festive season may potentially facilitate transmission of infectious diseases including Covid.
This year, grand celebrations are being organised across the country with Covid no more casting its shadow over the festivals.
