CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal announces new relaxations in the wake of decreasing COVID cases in Delhi; markets and shops to open on an odd-even basis, metro to resume at 50% capacity
New Delhi: Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced new unlock restrictions given the number of decreasing COVID cases in Delhi. He said as per new relaxations, malls and markets will now open on an odd-even basis, and private offices will be allowed to function with 50% staff. He said that those working in essential services will work on a 100% capacity and the HOD will decide who will be a part of the essential services and who will be allowed to work at 100% and 50%, and all private offices can be opened up at 50% manpower. In the last 24 hours, only 400 cases have emerged, the infection rate has come down to 0.5% and the situation appears to be under control.
CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal said, “The COVID situation in Delhi appears to be improving, and keeping that in mind, we began the unlock procedure last week. It is necessary to bring the economy back on track if the COVID situation begins to get better. Last week, we opened up the construction and factory sectors. In the Last 24 hours, only 400 cases have emerged. The infection rate has come down to 0.5%. So, the situation appears to be under control and by god’s grace should continue to remain under control.”
He added, “The lockdown that was announced last week is applicable till 5 am this Monday. While the lockdown will continue, certain activities will be given concessions and will be opened up. All markets and malls will be opened up on an Odd-Even basis — half the shops will be operational on one day and the other half the following day. This will be from 10 am to 8 pm, based on the shop numbers.”
The Chief Minister said, “In all government offices in Delhi, 100% of Group A officers will have to work, while all others below them will work on a capacity of 50%. Those working in essential services will work on a 100% capacity and the HOD will decide who will be a part of the essential services and who will be allowed to work at 100% and 50%. All private offices can be opened up at 50% manpower. But efforts should be made to ensure that more people should work from home. Private offices should make attempts to stagger their work hours so that not everyone should come out at the same time.”
He further said, “Stand-alone shops and those that provide essential services can be opened up every day on an Odd-Even basis. Delhi Metro will become operational with a 50% capacity and e-Commerce based selling process will continue to operate. Overall, these are the things that are being given as concessions. I hope that if in the upcoming week, the coronavirus situation remains under control, then more such activities can be opened up in the following week.”
