After seeing positive dip in COVID-19 cases, the government of Delhi few days bacl decided to unlock gradually from the lockdown like curbs by easing some restrictions. Notably, nearly a month ago, Delhi was battling at an edge with covid cases and the city did not have ample oxygen to reduce the number of deaths, however, strict curbs were put in place by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to contain the spread of virus.
As the city reopened, thousands of commuters crowded into underground train stations and shopping malls on Tuesday which has put doctors to concern as they warn it could lead to a resurgence in COVID-19 infections. Major Indian cities have begun lifting strict lockdowns as the nationwide tally of new infections has dropped to its lowest level in more than two months.
In the backdrop of such situation, the doctors and health experts have cautioned that a race towards resuming business as usual would compromise vaccination efforts as only about 5% of all 950 million eligible adults have been inoculated.
Doctors opined that re-opening the capital city completely is concerning however the city's authorities have said they would reimpose strict curbs if cases rise.
In May, thousands died in Delhi as oxygen supplies were too low and the city was crunching on health infrastructure.
Ambrish Mithal of Max HealthCare in New Delhi on Twitter wrote, "Delhi's top #mall saw a footfall of 19,000 people last weekend- as soon as it reopened. Have we gone totally mad? "Wait for #COVID19 to explode again- and blame the government, hospitals, country."
After a strict five-week lockdown in Delhi, authorities have fully re-opened shops and malls, and allowed restaurants to have 50% seating. Suburban rail networks can run at 50% capacity, and offices have been partially reopened.
