Delhiites flout COVID norms amid case surge, officials worried

Number of violators increases despite fresh restrictions

Despite the city administration introducing stricter curbs over the last nine days, the flouting of norms has continued unabated across the Capital.

The only benefit achieved from the new restrictions — weekend curfews, the shutdown of private offices and bars and temporary suspension of dine-in services at restaurants — is preventing large public gatherings, while citizens remain resistant to wea-ring masks and maintaining social distancing in public.

As many as 45,863 fines, worth over ₹9 crore, were issued over the nine-day period from January 6 to 14, compared to 25,202 during January 1 to 5. Mask-related violations accounted for almost 97% of the total fines issued for non-adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour.