New Delhi:
People traveling together in private cars in Delhi without face masks will not be penalized from Monday, the national capital’s disaster management authority decided today at a meeting to review Covid restrictions.
“…with respect to clause 3(h)(c) where failure to wear a facemask/covering in all public places is an offence, the penalty under this provision shall not apply to persons traveling together in private four-wheel vehicles from February 28,” the order said.
The previous rule exempted only those driving alone in their car from wearing a mask. The directive was passed after the Delhi High Court called the rule “absurd” and asked why it was still in force.
The fine for not wearing face masks in public places was reduced from Rs 2,000 to Rs 500.
On Friday, the city-state government said the curfew will end from Monday as Covid cases continue to fall. Now that the curfew is over, shops, restaurants and other establishments can stay open late into the night.
The Department of the Interior had asked states and Union Territories to consider easing Covid borders for social, sports, entertainment, academic and religious events, as well as curfew hours.