Sources said all COVID-related restrictions, including fines for not wearing masks, are likely to be lifted from the capital soon after a decision was taken to this effect at a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Thursday.
In a meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and experts, Mr Baijal stressed on the need to remain vigilant despite the steady decline in COVID cases.
An official order regarding the decision is likely to be issued soon and the existing COVID restrictions may be lifted at the earliest on Friday, a Delhi government source said.
Currently, citizens are fined ₹500 for not wearing masks in public places, which falls under the umbrella of COVID Appropriate Practices (CAB) and is, statistically, the highest crime in the city. There are also restrictions on social gatherings, such as weddings and funerals, aimed at preventing the possible spread of COVID infection.
“Despite the decline in COVID positive cases, after detailed discussions with experts, it has been decided to focus on increasing the hospital based sentinel surveillance and vaccination coverage of the target population,” the LG tweeted.
Mr Baijal said that while appreciating the efforts made by all the stakeholders in managing the COVID-19 spread, he emphasized the need to follow a 5 fold strategy of “Test, Track, Treat, Vaccinate and Adhere to COVID Appropriate Practices”. , as advised. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India”.
“In order to effectively deal with any scenario that may arise in future, all agencies are advised to remain vigilant without lowering the guard,” he said.