Covid cases decline, Delhi lifts weekend curfew

New Delhi, January 27

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Thursday decided to lift weekend curfew and odd-even system of opening non-essential shops in the city, besides permitting restaurants and bars to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity in view of improving Covid situation.

Containment curbs extended till Feb 28

• The Centre on Thursday issued an order extending guidelines for Covid containment measures till February 28
• The order was issued by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla under the Disaster Management Act
• He said there had been a steady rise in Covid cases and active cases had touched 22 lakh
• Looking at the trends, there is a need to exercise caution, he said

The decision was made at a meeting headed by Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. He, however, postponed the decision to reopen schools for the next meeting, officials said.

The government offices have also been allowed to reopen with 50 per cent staff, they said. Another decision taken at the meeting was to allow marriage ceremonies with maximum 200 guests in open areas and up to 50 per cent capacity at indoor venues. So far, only 20 persons were allowed to attend these events at home.

The night curfew imposed on weekdays from 10 pm to 5 am will continue. The meeting also decided for strict enforcement and enhancement of Covid-appropriate behaviour and other guidelines to check rise in cases, they added. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said the Covid situation was under control in the city. —