50% Capacity in Bars, Night Curfew: What Are the New COVID Rules in Delhi?

All DMs will ensure "no cultural event/ gatherings/congregations take place for celebrating Christmas or New Year."

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(Photo: The Quint)

Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in the national capital, the Delhi government imposed a night curfew from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am starting from Monday, 27 December. Delhi currently has a positivity rate of 0.55 percent.

What are the restrictions? Here's all you need to know.

Can there be gatherings for New Year celebrations?

"All DMs and District DCPs shall ensure that no cultural event/gatherings/congregation/take place for celebrating Christmas or New Year in NCT of Delhi," the DDMA order reads.

Who is allowed to go out during night curfew?

One is allowed to step out only for availing essential services or medical emergencies.

What are the new restrictions?

• All restaurants and bars are allowed upto 50 percent of the seating capacity.

• Same goes for auditoriums and assembly halls.

• Marriage related gatherings can have a maximum of 200 people.

What are the other general instructions?

All DMs have been asked to conduct survey of entire areas falling with their jurisdiction and identify those areas which have the potential of becoming super-spreaders/ hotspot of COVID-19 and Omicron variant.

After the pockets are identified, the DMs shall take action as per the prescribed guidelines including test, track and treat, and take containment measures, while ensuring enforcement of COVID-appropriate behaviour.

Will there be surprise checks on shops?

Yes. The DMs have also been asked to conduct surprise raids to make sure the guidelines are being followed as far as COVID-appropriate behaviour is concerned.

What has the DDMA said about mask wearing?

The DDMA has stressed on the importance of wearing masks and has asked people to follow the rules strictly, since “wearing of mask is the most important weapon in fight against COVID-19” and is not being observed / complied with at public spaces.