Amid the hike in Covid cases in Delhi, the Kejriwal government has increased the fine for not wearing a mask to Rs 2,000 from Rs 500 today. “People are wearing masks. But there is leniency as well. We need to tighten the screws. The fine which was Rs 500 so far has been increased to Rs 2,000,” CM Kejriwal announced while addressing a press conference post an all-party meet held to tackle the Covid-19 situation in Delhi.
The CM also said that the government will urge the hospitals to halt non-emergency operations so that Covid-19 patients get the utmost care. The CM said, “If you have a tonsils operation, you can schedule it next month too as it is not emergency. We will request the hospitals in this regard.”
The private hospitals have been asked to set aside 80 per cent of their ICU beds and 60 per cent of non-ICU beds for Covid-19 patients. The BJP government has recently blamed the AAP government for making the restrictions on Chhath Puja; however, Kejriwal said it is not the time to indulge in politics.
“Why would I not want Delhi people to celebrate Chhath? It is an auspicious occasion and people should celebrate it but inside their house. Don’t gather outside at ponds and other waterbodies as it may cause a massive spread. I told all parties in the meet that it’s a difficult time for the people of Delhi when Covid-19 cases are rising. It’s not the time for politics, there is an entire lifetime for it. We should set aside politics and allegations for a few days. This is the time to serve people,” the CM said.
The Delhi High Court scolded the AAP government for reducing the restrictions. “Why did you wait for 18 days to restrict the number of guests at weddings? How many died of Covid-19 during this period?” the High Court asked the Delhi government.
