Delhi: Highest Covid case spike since December 19, govt bars gatherings on Holi, other festivals

The surge in the number of cases is reflected in the rising positivity rate, increasing active cases and the hospital bed occupancy for Covid-19 patients. Over the last one month, the number of active cases in Delhi has increased over three times — from 1,404 on March 1 to 4,411 till Tuesday evening. Active cases represent the number of people currently infected with the disease.

The government order restricts people from organising any public gatherings, failing which the defaulting person(s) shall be proceeded against as per the provisions of sections 51 to 60 of Disaster Management Act 2005, Section 188 of IPC and other applicable laws.

“All district magistrates of Delhi and their counterpart district deputy commissioners of police and all authorities concerned shall ensure strict compliance of this order and shall adequately inform and sensitise the field functionaries about these instructions for strict compliance,” the order further stated.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Satyendar Jain Tuesday said the Delhi government has urged the Centre to allow everyone aged above 18 to take the Covid-19 vaccine as such a step will set an example for the entire world.

In another order, the Delhi government has decided to conduct random testing (RAT/RT PCR) of passengers coming from states where cases are surging — at the airport, railway stations, ISBTs and other alighting points for private buses.

“After collection of samples, the travellers would be allowed to exit. However, those passengers who are found positive, shall be mandatorily quarantined/isolated at their place of stay or CCC/CHC/Hospital… for 10 days,” the order stated.

The Delhi government also issued an order on Tuesday directing all district magistrates to intensify enforcement efforts in “super spreader” areas.