As the city’s Covid positivity rate remains at or below 1%, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) decided on Friday to lift all restrictions imposed in the national capital. Additionally, it allows schools to phase out online/hybrid classes in favor of physical classes beginning April 1. The new guidelines are expected to take effect on Monday, February 28.
Additionally, the authority reduced the fines for mask violations and non-compliance with social distancing to Rs 500 from Rs 2,000. The city will be devoid of all restrictions such as night curfews; markets will remain open until 10 p.m.; and restaurants, bars, cafes, and cinema theatres will be able to operate at full capacity.
DDMA meeting was attended by Delhi CM, Governor, and other officials
Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and other senior officials from the health and revenue departments attended the DDMA meeting.
Kejriwal took to Twitter following the meeting to announce the relaxation.
DDMA withdraws all restrictions as situation improves n people facing hardships due to loss of jobs
Schools to function fully offline from 1 Apr
Fines for not wearing masks reduced to Rs 500
All shud continue following Covid Appropriate Behaviour. Govt will keep strict watch
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 25, 2022
“We have achieved a 0.8 percent positivity rate. If cases remain under control and positivity rates remain below 1%, schools will be permitted to go completely offline and phase out the hybrid model. Similarly, if the number of cases increases, the fine amount may increase,” a source said.
According to sources present at the meeting, while there was discussion about restricting wedding gatherings, the Chief Minister stated that they should strive to eliminate all restrictions in light of the economic hardship faced by the people. They added that he stated they could be imposed again if necessary.
By Friday evening, the DDMA will issue an official order outlining the relaxations. On Thursday, Delhi reported 556 positive cases and a positivity rate of 1.1%, while six people died as a result of Covid.