As COVID-19 cases surge, DDMA makes masks mandatory; Rs 500 penalty for violation
New Delhi (PTI): In view of a spurt in coronavirus cases in the city, the Delhi government on Wednesday made wearing of masks mandatory in public places and imposed a fine of Rs 500 on violators.
Officials said the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, in its meeting, also decided not to shut schools, but chose to come up with a a separate Standard Operating Procedure in consultation with experts.
The government is expected to issue an official order regarding the mandatory use of masks soon. Sources said authorities have been asked to keep a close watch on social gatherings and ramp up testing in the national capital.
They said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is closely monitoring the situation. On Tuesday, Delhi recorded a nearly 26 per cent jump in fresh COVID-19 cases.
The health department said 632 fresh cases were reported on Wednesday and the positivity rate was 4.42 per cent. The city had on Monday recorded 501 cases and zero death while the positivity rate stood at 7.72 per cent.
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V.D. Satheesan elected as new Chief Minister of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Celebrations erupted across Kerala on Thursday after V D Satheesan was selected by the Congress High Command as the next Chief Minister of the state.
Satheesan was at the Contonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, when AICC leaders announced it in New Delhi.
Soon after the announcement, jubilant Satheesan supporters burst firecrackers and distributed sweets in several parts of the state.
Paravur in Ernakulam district, the Assembly constituency he has represented since 2001, witnessed large-scale celebrations.
Satheesan was widely seen as the frontrunner for the post, with UDF allies also backing his candidature during the selection process.
As the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, he led the UDF both inside and outside the House.
Apart from Satheesan, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala and Congress MP K C Venugopal were also considered for the post.
