New Delhi’s Mask Comeback: The Fine is in the House
Grab your pocket, because the capital’s government is giving masks a second shot after a recent spike that seemed like a plot twist in a thriller.
Why Now?
Just two weeks ago, New Delhi logged 2,146 new Covid cases and 8 deaths, setting its own grim record in India.
What’s the Fine?
- ₹500 (≈ S$8.60) for anyone caught strolling the streets without a mask.
- That’s about a week’s worth of instant noodles
April’s Mask Fail
Back in April, the city tried it again, but people shrugged. Masks were as common in crowded markets and malls as a stray cat in a back alley—mostly absent.
It turned into more of a “fine‑if‑you’re brave” joke than a health push.
India’s Numbers on the Scale
- Across the country, 16,299 new cases were recorded.
- That pushes the cumulative total to 44.2 million, though experts suspect the actual numbers are higher.
- The death toll increased by 53 to 526,879.
Bottom Line
If you wander through New Delhi’s bustling markets with a bare face, you’ll not only risk catching Covid but also pick up a small cash bill. Think of it as a pricey reminder that protection usually costs a bit.
