Covid norms: Delhi govt eye on markets, clubs

NEW DELHI: Flying squads will be deployed in and around Connaught Place and other areas of the city that normally has crowds gathering on New Year’s Eve to ensure the revelry complies with Covid guidelines, people wear masks and things do not go out of hand. In the wake of 33 travellers from the United Kingdom of those who came to Delhi in the past month testing positive for Covid, the authorities want effective implementation of the Covid guidelines at crowded events.

Delhi government has planned extensive surveillance and enforcement activities in markets and areas with a concentration of clubs and restaurants to ensure that people do not violate the anti-Covid norms. Chief secretary Vijay Dev has asked all the districts to deploy enforcement and surveillance teams and carry out an aggressive information and communication campaign about the last evening of the year. There is apprehension that reckless celebrations could negatively affect declining intensity of infections in the capital.

The district authorities have held meetings with market associations and restaurant owners to persuade them to remain in control and to cooperate with the authorities in ensuring a safe passage to 2021.

“The restaurants and hotels have been asked to ensure wearing of masks by guests at all times except when they eat. The restaurants, clubs and hotels have been following the mandated Covid-19 measures for months now and the norms have almost become part of the new normal,” claimed a government official.

The worry is about those who still ignore safety norms and are careless about the infection. In many restaurants, parks and other public places it is not uncommon to see people without masks and or masks worn improperly. For such individuals, the district authorities are running an extensive information and education campaign. In New Delhi, public announcement systems are being used to spread awareness in the markets and crowd-sensitive areas.

“Medical professionals, administrators and police have done an outstanding job of containing Covid, and the two challenges are New Year celebrations and the UK virus strain,” said Dev. “Intensive efforts are under way on both the fronts. Surveillance and enforcement teams have been constituted in each district to aggressively ensure compliance. Information and education campaigns as well as enforcement penalties will be simultaneously undertaken across Delhi. No let up, no laxity — that is our motto.”