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Delhi to do away with Rs 500 fine for not wearing masks? Health dept likely to issue notification today

As per the minutes of the September 22 DDMA meeting released by Sushil Singh, the decision to revoke the mask mandate was anything but unanimous.

TN City Desk

Updated Oct 5, 2022, 00:22 IST

Representative image

Photo : PTI

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

In the meeting, Chief Secretary of Delhi, Naresh Kumar, had said that although the current situation was comfortable, yet the guard against COVID-19 could not be lowered
Niti Aayog member Dr VK Paul underlined that surveillance was needed since the virus is still present
NDMA member Dr Rajendra Singh suggested that mask-wearing be encouraged until November 15

New Delhi: A meeting held by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) last month stressed the importance of not lowering the guard against COVID-19 due to upcoming festivals even as it decided to phase out the wearing of face masks after September 30.

The health department is expected to issue a notification on Wednesday revoking the Rs 500 fine for not wearing masks, according to the minutes of the meeting held on September 22 and accessed by news agency PTI.

As per the minutes of the meeting released by Special Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the DDMA, Sushil Singh, the decision to revoke the mask mandate was anything but unanimous.

Chief Secretary of Delhi, Naresh Kumar, had said in the meeting that although the current situation was comfortable, yet the guard against Coronavirus could not be lowered because variants keep emerging.

In view of multiple festivals occurring from September 26 to December 31 and anticipated mass gatherings across the country, the Health Ministry has advised caution.

Dr VK Paul, a Niti Aayog member, emphasised in the meeting that surveillance was needed since the virus is still present, and its mutations and variants continue to emerge periodically.

In light of coming festivals, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member Dr Rajendra Singh suggested that mask-wearing be encouraged until November 15.

On the issue of enforcing the mask mandate, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora asked for clarity and a complete set of instructions.

Considering the public is well informed about its responsibilities and what constitutes COVID-appropriate behaviour, the Chief Secretary suggested pursuing a "self-discipline mode".

Delhi Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot reiterated in the same meeting that enforcement of the mask mandate presents "practical difficulties", and the rule needs to be relaxed.

According to the minutes, Kunal Satyarthi, the joint secretary of NDMA, agreed with him that masks may not be advisable under current circumstances.

As a result of the meeting chaired by LG VK Saxena and attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, it was agreed that despite the importance of masks in maintaining COVID-appropriate behaviour, the order for mandatory mask wearing under the Epidemic Act may not be extended beyond September 30.

In addition, the DDMA said that the fine of Rs 500 for not wearing masks in public places will stand withdrawn after September 30.

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