As Delhi relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, several people flocked to the markets flouting the rules of safety and social distancing. As a result of overcrowding, some markets in the capital were shut down to combat the spread of the virus. These markets include the Central Market in Lajpat Nagar and Rui Mandi market in Sadar Bazaar. In Gandhi Nagar market, Shahdara, twelve shops were shut from July 4 to 12 for violating COVID-19 norms. Notices about overcrowding were also issued to Sarojini Nagar and Kamla Nagar markets. Now, the Delhi government has shut down Sarojini Nagar’s Export Market for violation of COVID-19 norms. According to an Indian Express report, the order read, “And whereas, an inspection was done by the undersigned in Sarojini Nagar Market on 17/7/2021 at 5:30 pm and it was found that the Export Market SN was extremely crowded with Covid-19 norms being grossly violated and no social distancing being followed at all.”
Delhi Unlock: Restaurants To Operate With 50% Capacity, Malls Reopen
Delhi saw a deluge of COVID-19 cases in the past two months. While many gasped for breath due to the lack of oxygen, many lost lives in this process. It took a strict lockdown for the cases in Delhi to come down from 25k to 1k daily. However, the national capital is now planning a gradual unlock. The process of lifting the lockdown gradually in Delhi started from May 31 with the resumption of construction activities and the reopening of factories. But here are the recent developments.
Restaurants To Operate With 50% Capacity, Malls Reopen
The Delhi government has announced that it will relax the COVID-19 guidelines. Restaurants will be allowed to open at 50% seating capacity in Delhi. However, stricter curbs will be imposed in case of a rise in cases. The government has also allowed mall and market complexes to be completely open from 10 am to 8 pm. However, they are mandated to follow social distancing norms and take Covid-19 appropriate precautions.
Delhi Metro To Operate With 50% Capacity From June 7
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced that Delhi Metro will operate with 50% capacity from June 7. Markets and malls will operate on an odd-even basis. Also, private offices can operate with 50% staff. According to Zee News, Kejriwal stated, “We faced a severe shortage of oxygen and hence we in the Delhi government are increasing the oxygen infrastructure in the national capital. We are also procuring oxygen tankers since we did not have any of our own earlier. We are buying 25 such tankers.” He added, “As and when the situation keeps improving, more relaxations will be announced. This is what is being done currently.”
Delhi Restaurants Can Serve Liquor In Open Spaces
Delhi restaurants and pubs can soon serve liquor in open spaces, such as terraces, balconies, and spaces inside their premises. They can also have live music arrangements, such as performing bands, DJs, karaoke, and karaoke. The government also allowed microbreweries in the city to start takeaway services for draught beer and sell them directly to restaurants and pubs. The date of implementation of these rules will be announced shortly.
Delhi Government Allows Home Delivery Of Liquor
The Delhi government permitted home delivery of Indian and foreign liquor but only for orders placed through the website or mobile application. However, such online deliveries will only be allowed at residences. No delivery shall be made to hostels, offices, and institutions, according to the notification.
Delhi Will Have A Phase-Wise Unlocking Process
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier said that he would begin the phase-wise unlocking process in Delhi after six weeks of lockdown given the second wave of COVID-19. While the CM now said that it is time to start the unlock process, he also stressed that one should not be complacent.
Also read: After Mumbai, Delhi Gets Its First Drive-In COVID-19 Vaccination Centre At Dwarka
The Government Will Unlock Basis Expert Suggestions
“We have to maintain a balance between controlling the spread of COVID-19 and allowing economic activities. Keeping this in mind, it has been decided to open factories and allow construction activities for one week from Monday,” said Arvind Kejriwal in a press announcement. He also said that the government would unlock every week based on the situation and the suggestions of the experts.
E-Pass Mandatory To Travel Within Delhi
You will still need an e-pass to travel within Delhi. Workers, officials, and employees of manufacturing and production units will have to apply for an e-pass to move freely within the national capital. E-pass is also mandatory for bank employees and those going for vaccinations. Can You Travel From Delhi To Gurugram Or Noida During Lockdown? All You Need To Know.
That said, the government will put the unlock process on hold if cases rise again. The positivity rate in the national capital dropped to 1.25% according to a health department bulletin.