The Delhi government on Thursday raised the fine for not wearing masks to 2,000 rupees from 500 rupees, Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday. “People wear masks. But there is also indulgence. We need to tighten the screws. The fine that was 500 rupees so far has been increased to 2,000 rupees, ”Kejriwal said, at a press meeting after an all-party meeting held to address the Covid-19 situation in the capital.
The government will also urge hospitals to halt non-emergency operations so that Covid-19 patients receive maximum care, Kejriwal said. “If you have a tonsil operation, you can also schedule it next month as it is not an emergency. We will ask the hospitals about it, ”said the CM. All private hospitals have been asked to reserve 80 percent of their ICU beds and 60 percent of their beds outside the ICU for Covid-19 patients.
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After the BJP blamed the AAP government, focused on the Chhath Puja restrictions, for the current Covid-19 situation that broke all previous records of daily infections and daily toll, Kejriwal said this is not the time to engage in politics. “Why wouldn’t I want the people of Delhi to celebrate Chhath? It is an auspicious occasion and people should celebrate it but inside their home. Do not gather outside in ponds and other bodies of water, as it can cause mass spread. I told all parties in the meeting that it is a difficult time for the people of Delhi when Covid-19 cases are increasing. This is not the time for politics, there is a lifetime for it. We should put politics and accusations aside for a few days. This is the time to serve the people. “
After the all-party meeting, Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta said that the AAP government hesitated to take appropriate action. “If the Delhi government had taken the right measures, people would have had no problem celebrating Chhath Puja together. Markets must remain open with Covid-19 guidelines. The need of the moment is ICU beds and ventilators, ”Gupta said.
On Thursday, the AAP government was criticized by the Delhi high court for relaxing restrictions. “Why did you wait 18 days to restrict the number of wedding guests? How many died of Covid-19 during this period? “the high court asked the government.
Since October last week, Delhi has witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, which is considered the third wave in the city. The first two took place in July and September, respectively. Meanwhile, the AAP government allowed 200 guests to the weddings. The relaxation has been revised and now only 50 guests are allowed.
Rather than a total lockdown, the government is considering closing markets that have become Covid-19 hot spots in recent weeks.
On November 18, Delhi recorded 131 deaths, the highest number of deaths in a single day. Total Covid-19 cases in the capital have also crossed the 5 lakh mark. The highest single-day peak of 8,593 COVID-19 cases to date was recorded on November 11 when 85 deaths were recorded.
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