A negative COVID-19 test report will be made compulsory for travellers from five states – Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab – entering Delhi from Saturday, February 26 to March 15, ANI reported.  

The mandate has been issued for travellers entering Delhi via flights, trains and buses, with travellers by road exempted. 

Also Read | Maharashtra government imposes new restrictions amid surge in COVID-19 cases

The country has seen a spike in daily new infections, particularly in these five states. Maharashtra and Kerala account for over 75% of the country’s active COVID-19 cases. 

According to data from the health ministry on Tuesday, Maharashtra recorded the highest number of cases with 5,210, followed by Kerala (2,212) and Tamil Nadu (449). Maharashtra also recorded the highest number of new virus deaths, with 18, with Kerala (16) and Punjab (15) next in the list. 

Also Read | Coronavirus variants with two specific mutations may elude immune responses: Expert

On November 23, 2020, the Maharashtra government had imposed similar restrictions on all air and rail passengers arriving from five states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa.