New Delhi: As COVID-19 cases surge in and around the national capital, the Delhi government on April 20, Wednesday made wearing of masks mandatory in public places and imposed a penalty of Rs 500 on violators.An NDTV report, citing sources, said that the decision was taken at a Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting, which is overseeing the city’s fight against the pandemic. The meeting also discussed whether testing needs to be ramped up.The pace of vaccination is likely to be stepped up in the national capital, the report said.Also read: Interview | ‘Fears of Fourth COVID Wave in India Currently Misplaced’According to PTI, officials said the DDMA 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.Covid cases in the national capital have been on the rise over the past few days. According to the bulletin issued on April 19, Tuesday, the daily case count rose by 26% to 632 as compared to the previous day.The positivity rate, however, fell from 7.72% on Monday to 4.42% on Tuesday.(With inputs from PTI)