Amid rising Covid-19 cases in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has made wearing of masks in public places mandatory. According to the notification issued Thursday, a fine of Rs 500 will be imposed on those found violating the norms, reported news agency ANI. However, the fine will not be applicable to persons travelling together in private four-wheeler vehicles.






Covid cases in the national capital have been on a rise for the last on week. According to a PTI report, Delhi has recorded 32 deaths due to coronavirus so far in August, an over two-fold rise as against the last 10 days of July when 14 people had died.


Delhi recorded two deaths on August 1, three on August 2, five on August 3, four on August 4, two on August 5, one on August 6, two on August 7, six on August 8 and seven on August 9, the data showed.


The number of deaths recorded on August 9 was the highest in nearly 180 days. Delhi’s COVID-19 death toll stands at 26,343.


However, experts and officials said that fatalities are being recorded among people who have comorbidities or are suffering from cancer, tuberculosis, or other accompanying illnesses, reported PTI.


“In most of the cases, COVID-19 is an incidental finding. Most of these patients are already undergoing treatment for other diseases,” a government official said.


Meanwhile, 20,551 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country in the last 24 hors. The total tally has risen to 4,41,07,588, while the active cases have declined to 1,35,364, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.


With 70 new fatalities, the death toll has reached 5,26,600.


(With inputs from agencies)