India might be witnessing its third wave. The cases are increasing at an alarming rate. Already India is under the loom of Omicrom with over 650 cases in the country. However, Delhi has been the worst affected state with COVID and Omicron. With positivity more than 0.5 percent in consecutive 2 days, Delhi Government, under the leadership of Arwind Kejriwal has given a yellow alert to the state.
Malls and cinema halls will be shut. Schools will also be shut in Delhi and public transport will work at 50 percent capacity. Moreover, offices will also work at 50 percent capacity.
As per the plan, shops in markets and malls dealing with non-essential goods and services will be allowed to open as per the odd-even formula between 10 am to 8 pm, while one weekly market will be allowed per municipal zone at half the capacity of vendors. Shops selling essential items will remain open on all days.
Restaurants will operate at 50 per cent capacity between 8 am – 10 pm, bars will open between 12-10 pm also at 50 per cent capacity. Schools, educational institutions, cinemas, banquet halls, auditoriums, spas, gyms and entertainment parks will remain shut.
Delhi Metro and buses will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity. Delhi government offices will call 100% grade I officers, while private firms will be allowed to call 50% staff between 9 am to 5 pm. Gyms and yoga centres will also shut. There will be a complete ban on social/entertainment/religious/political/festival-related gatherings. Sports complexes, stadiums (except national/international sports events), entertainment parks will shut down.
At marriages and funeral-related gatherings, 20 persons each will be allowed. But banquet halls will not be allowed to host weddings.
Kejriwal also said that the government will be forced to close markets if crowding continues and Covid-appropriate behaviour is not followed.
“We are 10 times more prepared than last time. But we do not want any of you to fall ill. That is why we appeal to you to wear masks, we have to be responsible. We are disheartened when we see crowding at markets and malls. We will have to shut down markets if this continues. None of us wants that. If you won’t take care of yourselves, who will? We don’t want you to fall ill… These restrictions are being imposed for you. I know you all are tired of restrictions, but it is important and there is nothing we can do about it,” the CM said.
