Delhi lifts weekend curfew, odd-even restrictions at markets; night curfew to continue

Night curfew, from 10 pm to 5 am, will also continue.

Restaurants, bars and cinema halls have been allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity. Banquet halls and wedding venues can function with 50 per cent capacity, with the number of guests capped at 200. Government offices have also been allowed to reopen with 50 per cent staff.

The decision to ease the restrictions, in view of the improving Covid-19 situation, was taken at a DDMA meeting attended by Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal among others.

While the daily case count peaked at 28,867 on January 13, with positivity rate of over 29 per cent, the capital has seen a steady and fast decline in cases after that. On Thursday, the daily case count dropped below the 5,000-mark after 24 days – 4,291 new cases were reported, at 9.56 per cent positivity rate.

A total of 637 deaths have been reported this month, the highest since the 740 deaths reported in June last year, when the Delta variant-driven wave was waning. At the peak of the Delta wave last year, 448 deaths were reported on a single day (May 3), and the monthly toll peaked at 8,090 deaths.

While the weekend curfew will be lifted from Saturday, the remaining restrictions will be lifted from Friday.

“After detailed discussions with experts on the prevalent Covid situation and trends, and their specific inputs thereon, it was decided to gradually ease restrictions and simultaneously enhance the enforcement of Covid appropriate/ complaint behaviour with added stress on vaccination,” said a statement released by the L-G’s office.

“Emphasised on opening of activities in a graded manner following the principle of gradualism, so as to avoid sudden surge in infections. Directed agencies to ensure strict enforcement of Covid appropriate behaviour, strict surveillance and aggressive IEC campaign to reach out to all sections of society to effectively communicate the need of strict adherence to Covid protocols by all. Reiterated that the pace of vaccination should be enhanced for maximum coverage, especially for the vulnerable sections and to achieve 100% vaccination target of double doses,” it said.

Curated For You

Dharmendra worshipped ‘star’ Meena Kumari, tried to curb her drinking; she loved him ‘passionately’: ‘Most beautiful…’

Why BJP is concerned as urban voters in Uttar Pradesh seek to shift to village addresses during SIR

Falling sick in Brazil showed me what India gets wrong about antibiotics