New Delhi: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Friday issued a fresh order after reviewing the Coronavirus situation in the national capital.
“The COVID-19 situation in Delhi has again been reviewed and observed that as the number of COVID-19 cases and positivity rates is witnessing a decline, some prohibitions/restrictions may be revised in area outside the containment zones,” the order stated.
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In the fresh relaxation, private offices have been allowed to function at up to 50 per cent of staff with immediate effect.
“Further, Private offices are advised to stagger the office timing and also stagger the presence and quantum of staff with an objective to reduce the number of employees attending office at the same time so as to ensure the protocol pertaining to social distancing at work place. They are further advised to follow the practice of work from home, as far as possible,” the DDMA stated.
It also mentioned that “Night Curfew” from 10 PM to 5 AM every day and “Weekend Curfew” from 10 PM of Friday till 5 AM of subsequent Monday, on the movement of individuals in the national capital will remain in force till further order.
Odd-Even Rule For Opening Of Shops In Delhi Continues
The order comes as Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Friday approved the Delhi government’s proposal to allow private offices to function with 50 per cent staff but suggested maintaining the status quo on lifting weekend curfew and removing odd-even rule for the opening of shops in the markets.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia held a press conference where he informed that the Delhi government has proposed lifting weekend curfew, ending odd-even system for the opening of shops, and allowing private offices to run with 50 per cent staff in the city.
He said that the proposal approved by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was sent to Lt Governor Anil Baijal for his consent, news agency PTI reported.
The decision to ease the restrictions was taken in view of the declining number of COVID cases in the city and its effect on livelihood and business activities, the Deputy Chief Minister stated.
The traders in many parts of the national capital have been demanding that the curbs including the opening of shops of non-essential goods on alternate days based on odd-even system, be lifted.
The weekend curfew imposed because of the rise in COVID cases will be in place from 10 PM Friday and continue till Monday 5 AM.
Delhi had on Thursday reported 12,306 fresh COVID-19 cases and 43 more fatalities due to the infection. The positivity rate dipped to 21.48 per cent, according to data shared by the Delhi health department.