As Omicron cases continue to rise, the Delhi government on Tuesday imposed lockdown-like restrictions across the city to combat the further spread of the new variant.
The Delhi government also sounded a yellow alert as the COVID positivity rate rose over 0.5 per cent on two consecutive days.
The decision was made at a high-level meeting chaired by CM Arvind Kejriwal today.
‘We have stayed above 0.5 per cent positivity rate for more than two days. We are enforcing Level-I (Yellow alert) of the Graded Response Action Plan. A detailed order on restrictions to be implemented will be released soon,’ Kejriwal reportedly told top officials after the meeting.
The Delhi CM, however, assured that the government is fully prepared to deal with the rise in number of infections, and are in a good position following the lessons learned from the horrific second wave which had earlier ravaged the capital.
‘We are 10 times more prepared than earlier to deal with the rise in Covid cases in Delhi’, Kejriwal stated, adding that the cases are mild.
Furthermore, he urged the citizens of Delhi to adhere to wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing measures in public.
New Restrictions in Delhi
- Night curfew to be applied in the city from 11 PM to 5 AM with immediate effect
- Private offices to work at 50 per cent capacity, except designated essential services such as hospitals, media, banks, insurance companies and telecom services
- A maximum of 2 persons are allowed in public transport such as autos and taxis. Delhi Metro will run with 50% seating capacity, with no standing passengers allowed
- Bars, spas and restaurants to operate with 50 per cent capacity
- Hotels will double up as quarantine centers if needed.
- 20 people are allowed at weddings and funerals.
- Shops/malls with non-essential services or goods will open from 10 am to 8 pm under odd-even rule.
- Religious places will remain open, but devotees and mass gatherings are not allowed.
Omicron, COVID-19 Situation in Delhi
The total number of cases of the new Omicron variant went up to 165 on Tuesday. Delhi also has recorded 331 fresh coronavirus cases, the highest single-day rise since June 9 and one death, on Monday, while the positivity rate mounted to 0.68 per cent, according to data shared by the city health department.
Delhis first case of the Omicron variant a 37-year-old man from Ranchi, who has since been discharged was detected on December 5.
Doctors have also warned that people should avoid all kinds of gatherings as this is a highly transmissible variant, to avoid a worsening of the situation.
Citizens have been advised that though the infections are mild, it would be wise to not let guards down to avoid another wave-like situation.