New Delhi: Delhi unlocks partially from Monday with malls and shops opening on an odd-even basis, private offices to function with 50 per cent capacity and the metro trains to resume services but with 50 per cent capacity, in view of a sharp dip in the Covid-19 cases in the national capital.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced some relaxations while extending the lockdown in the National Capital till 5 am on June 14 with daily night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am, saying the restrictions will be gradually eased. Delhi fought the Coronavirus with full strength, but now the time is to slowly put back the economy on rails, he told a press conference here. He said Delhi reported about 400 new Covid-19 cases while positivity rate is around 0.5 per cent.
As the coronavirus situation improves in the capital, more relaxations will be announced in the coming weeks, he said, adding that the government is preparing well to ensure it is not caught off guard if a third wave hits the city. "Making arrangements for children and setting up a task force to track a possible third wave," he added.
Delhi has been under lockdown since April 19 following the massive surge in Covid-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic. With the number of Covid-19 cases dipping, Delhi government began the unlocking process from May 31, starting with constructions and factories to open.
Here are the relaxations
Malls and shopping centres will open on an odd-even basis - half of the shops will function one day, the other half the next day from 10am to 8pm only. Standalone shops can remain open without any restrictions daily during the same timings.
Essential items' shops and chemists will remain open on all days. Metro trains will be allowed to run at 50 per cent capacity.
Home delivery through e-commerce sites will be allowed, lifting restrictions to supply only the essentials.
All private offices can reopen from 9 AM to 5 PM at a limit of 50 per cent capacity. However, Kejriwal urged all those who can work from home to continue to do so.
All government, local bodies and corporation employees of Grade 1 will be functioning at 100 per cent capacity while the rest of the staff will work at 50 per cent strength.
What will remain shut?
Schools, colleges, private coaching centres, cinema halls, gyms and eating in restaurants and political as well as cultural gatherings continue to be banned.
