Delhi COVID-19 unlock plan: Will liquor shops reopen? Find out here

After witnessing a sharp dip in COVID-19 cases, Delhi will be unlocked from Monday (June 7) with easing of restrictions across sectors including markets and metro services. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a formal announcement regarding the easing on Saturday (June 5).

The city was put under a lockdown from April 20. Metro services, however, were suspended only from May 10. Technically, the city will remain under a limited curfew as only limited relaxations are being offered for the time being.

CM Kejriwal emphasised that it was time to revive the city’s economy, which has taken a severe beating due to the restrictions imposed in the wake of a severe Covid-19 wave that brough Delhi to stand still.

While the restrictions are being eased, there are confusions and not complete clarity whether liquor shops shall remain open or not.

As per the orders issued by Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), liquor shops in markets and malls will remain open. However, the shops shall remain open alternatively, following the odd-even formula. So liquor store might open on Monday, remain shut on Tuesday, and again open on Wednesday depending on its numbering by the market association.

While stores considered as standalone ones, which are essentially those falling outside a contiguous market area, can remain open on all weekdays.

The Delhi Government has yet not allowed hotels, restaurants, eateries to open, however, takeaway and home delivery services shall continue.

Meanwhile, Delhi on Sunday (June 6) reported 381 new COVID-19 cases which is the lowest sinle day record since March 15. The national capital on June 5 had recorded 414 new cases and 60 Covid deaths.

Positivity rate has dropped to 0.5 percent, the lowest it has been between March 9 and now.

A total of 76,857 samples were tested for the novel coronavirus in Delhi between Saturday and Sunday. The national capital has tested 1,97,58,315 samples till date.