New Delhi: Amid the unprecedented rise in the COVID-19 cases in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal imposed a weekend curfew to contain the spread of the virus. In his address, the chief minister announced a slew of restrictions including the closure of malls, gyms, spas, and auditoriums. Arvind Kejriwal also said that the curfew passes will be issued to those rendering essential services and the shopping malls gyms, spas and auditoriums will be closed.

He also added that the cinemas halls in the city will operate at 30% capacity only and people will not be allowed to dine-in restaurants, only home deliveries permitted.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  1. The curfew will begin at 10pm on Friday and continue till 6am on Monday.
  2. Essential services will be exempted.
  3. Passes will be given to those who are to be married on those days.
  4. Restaurants will be shut in Delhi. No dine-in is allowed.
  5. Home deliveries will be permitted.
  6. There will be special markets with special arrangements; only one weekly market will be allowed in every municipal zone per week.
  7. Cinema halls will operate with 30% capacity.
  8. Spas, malls, auditoriums and gyms will remain closed. A detailed order is awaited.
  9. Strict enforcement of Covid-appropriate behaviour such as social distancing and mask-wearing in public places will be ensured.

The announcement from the chief minister comes a day after the city recorded the biggest single-day jump 17,282 new COVID-19 cases.

Furthermore, Kejrwal said essential services and weddings will not be affected during the weekend curfew and passes will be provided to those attending weddings.

The chief minister also said there was no shortage of hospital beds and over 5,000 were still available for COVID patients. Efforts to increase beds on a large scale will also be made, he assured.

He also added that the restaurants in the national capital will be allowed to do home deliveries and only one weekly market in a zone will be allowed to open per day and steps will be taken to control crowds in those permitted to function.