Police to prosecute protocol violators amid fresh surge in COVID-19 cases in Indian capital

NEW DELHI -- As Indian capital city Delhi has been witnessing a fresh surge in its daily COVID-19 cases, the police Wednesday said it will deploy dedicated teams to prosecute those violating COVID-19 norms.

"In view of the spread of coronavirus in Delhi, each police station shall detail one dedicated team, comprising of an upper subordinate and one lower subordinate to prosecute persons who violate protocols in their respective district," a statement issued by police in the capital said.

The COVID-19 protocols include wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and avoid spitting in public, among others.

The statement comes at a time when a number of economic activities have resumed in the national capital as part of the ongoing fourth stage of the nationwide unlock.

The Metro services in the national capital have resumed on Monday and schools are likely to reopen partially from Sept. 21.

On Wednesday, Delhi recorded 3,609 new cases of COVID-19, taking its tally to 197,135. The death toll here stands at 4,618 after recording 19 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Globally India is the second worst-hit country with 4,370,128 COVID-19 cases.