New Delhi The Delhi government may again make wearing of masks mandatory in public places, as the number of COVID cases in the national capital continues to rise. This comes in the wake of making wearing of masks mandatory in several districts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in view of the increase in the number of cases. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government is likely to meet Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday to discuss strategies to deal with the current COVID situation in Delhi.
Delhi has reported over 632 cases in the last 24 hours and the positivity rate has reached 4.42%. However, there have been no deaths.
“In view of the rising Covid cases in the city, the Delhi government may again make wearing of face masks mandatory. The Delhi government has sought comments from subject experts on this,” said a Delhi government official requesting anonymity.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has advised the Delhi government to continue monitoring the spread of infection and take necessary steps for speedy and effective management of COVID-19. In a letter to Delhi Health Secretary Manisha Saxena reviewed by Mint, Bhushan said, “Delhi has reported 2,671 new cases in the week ended April 19, up from 998 new cases in the week ended April 12. “
Emailed and texted questions to the Delhi government spokesperson remain unanswered till the time of going to press. Respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 are spread by droplets that enter the body through the mouth and nose. Therefore, masks play an important role in preventing the spread of infection. “The number of Covid cases in the city has increased, and it is a matter of serious concern. Covering the face with a mask while going out or in crowded places can prevent the spread of infection,” said Dr Sujit Singh, director, National Center for Disease Control.
“The recent surge in Covid cases so far does not seem to be due to any change in the form of the virus. The Covid numbers are high because of the sudden lack of covid-appropriate behaviour,” said Dr Ekta Gupta, a virologist at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi.