Delhi makes COVID-19 test mandatory for travellers from Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, MP and Punjab

24-02-2021

Travellers from Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab will need a negative coronavirus test report to enter Delhi from February 26 to March 15, Agencies reported on Wednesday morning. An official order in this regard is expected shortly during the day. The decision was taken with a motive to curb the rising number of cases in the national capital. According to the Delhi Health Department, the total count of cases has risen to 6,38,173, including 6,26,216 recoveries and 10,903 deaths. The bulletin said the national capital has 639 containment zones. With a rise in the cases in Maharashtra and other states, the Delhi government has made negative RT-PCR test mandatory for those travelling to Delhi via air. People travelling by road may be exempted, reports suggested on Wednesday. The decision was taken after the Health Ministry said that over 70 per cent of the new COVID-19 cases in the country were reported from these four states.
On February 23, Maharashtra reported 6,218 new COVID-19 cases and 51 deaths, taking the total count in the state to over 21 lakh. The death toll stands at 51,857. With the rising cases in the state, the Maharashtra government has imposed restrictions across certain cities and districts and imposed nigh curfews in cities such as Pune. Weekly markets have been asked to remain closed in Jalna till further notice. Rapid antigen test of all vegetable, fruit, newspaper vendors is also being conducted periodically.