Third Covid wave: Panel suggests economic curbs in Delhi if positivity rate crosses 5%

NEW DELHI: An expert committee formed by Delhi government to devise measures to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus, in case a third Covid-19 wave hits the capital, has suggested strict steps, including curbs on economic activities if the positivity rate crosses 5%.
A graded response action plan has been made by formulating it on four colours. Each colour indicates a different level of the situation with various measures of containment and mitigation. While the Yellow Alert (level 1) entails minimum economic restrictions, Red Alert (level 4) has the maximum curbs.

In case the positivity rate touches 0.5% and remains at the same level or above it for two consecutive days, then Yellow Alert would be sounded. Yellow Alert can also be sounded if 1,500 cumulative new positive cases are reported within seven days or average occupancy of oxygenated beds hits 500 for the same duration.
Under Yellow Alert, all economic activities, non-essential and essential factories and essential shops and establishments would be allowed to open, while non-essential shops would open on odd-even basis from 10am to 8pm. Malls would open on an odd-even basis from 10am to 8pm and one weekly market would be allowed each day in every zone.
Greater economic restrictions would follow if the positivity rate touches 1% and remains at the same level or above it for two consecutive days. In such a situation, Amber Alert (level 2) would be sounded. It can also be sounded if 3,500 cumulative new positive cases are reported for seven days or average occupancy of oxygenated beds is 700 for the same duration.
Under level 2, all construction activities, non-essential and essential factories and essential shops and establishments would be allowed to open, while non-essential shops and malls would open on an odd-even basis from 10am to 6pm, and one weekly market would be allowed each day in every zone.
Orange Alert (level 3) would be sounded if positivity rate touches 2% and remains at the same level or above for two consecutive days. It would also be in force if 9,000 cumulative new positive cases are reported for seven days or average occupancy of oxygenated beds is 1,000 for the same duration.
Under this, only those construction activities would be allowed where labourers stay on site, essential factories, establishments and shops would be allowed to open, while non-essential shops, malls and weekly markets would remain closed. Standalone shops would remain open from 10am to 6pm.
Red Alert would be sounded if positivity rate touches 5% and remains above it for two consecutive days. It would also be sounded if 16,000 cumulative new positive cases are reported for seven days or average occupancy of oxygenated beds is 3,000 for the same duration. The committee has suggested economic curbs similar to Orange Alert.