New Delhi: After the Delhi government raised the fine for not wearing face masks to Rs 2,000, consumption of tobacco, spitting in public places, violation of quarantine rules and not maintaining social distancing will attract now also attract a fine of the same amount, said a notification issued by the government on Friday.
The increase in the fine amount from earlier Rs 500 comes at a time when the national capital has recorded a spike in Covid-19 cases.
The notification was issued by the health department following the approval of Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal.
Lt Governor Anil Baijal amended Delhi Epidemic Disease Management of Covid-19 Regulations 2020, empowering ‘authorised persons’ to impose Rs 2,000 fine for violation of quarantine rules, social distancing norms, not wearing face masks and consumption of pan, gutka, etc. in public places.
On Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced sweeping measures to tackle the pandemic, including a steep Rs 2,000 fine for not wearing masks, reservation of 80 per cent ICU beds in private hospitals and doubling of testing centres in every district.
The national capital has witnessed a spurt in coronavirus cases since October 28, when the daily rise breached the 5,000-mark for the first time, and it crossed the 8,000-mark on November 11.