Covid 19 Curbs: DDMA issues order, schools, cinemas, gyms shut in Delhi, shops in Malls to be operated on odd-even basis

In view of the rising COVID-19 cases, schools, colleges, cinema halls, spas, gyms, multiplexes, banquet halls, auditoriums, and sports complexes have been closed in the national capital with immediate effect. Night curfew has been imposed in the city from 10 PM to 5 AM. The restrictions have been put in place as a yellow alert has been sounded in Delhi under Graded Response Action Plan.

As per Delhi Disaster Management Authority order, Delhi Metro and buses will operate at 50 percent seating capacity with no standing passengers. Restaurants are allowed will 50 percent seating capacity from 8 AM to 10 PM and bars are allowed with 50 percent seating capacity from 12 noon to 10 PM. Political, religious and festival gatherings have been banned. Maximum 20 persons can attend funerals and weddings. In its order, the DDMA said the weddings can only be done at home. Shops in malls will operate on odd-even basis in the city. Religious places will be open but no visitors will be allowed. Only walking, running, and playing are allowed in public parks and gardens and not picnics.

Interstate movement of buses is allowed up to 50 percent of the seating capacity of a bus. Delhi government offices can function at 100 percent capacity for Group-A officers and Section Officers and 50 percent for officers below Group-A. Private offices have been allowed to function at 50 percent capacity.

Graded Response Action Plan is based on the measures of positivity rate, new COVID cases, and the number of oxygen beds. There are four levels – yellow, amber, orange, and red. COVID cases are rapidly increasing in the last few days and the positivity rate has reached more than 0.5 percent for two consecutive days, besides the regular increase in new Omicron variant of COVID in Delhi.