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Delhi unlock: Bars, public parks, gardens to open from Monday

The relaxations came even as a large-scale violation of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour was witnessed across the capital in the past week
Last Updated 20 June 2021, 11:04 IST

Bars with 50% capacity as well as public parks, gardens, golf clubs and outdoor yoga activities will be open in the national capital from Monday as the Delhi government announced further relaxation to the Covid-19 restrictions imposed in the capital two months ago following a surge in cases in the second wave.

The relaxations came even as a large-scale violation of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour was witnessed across the capital in the past week while experts warned that such actions could speed up the arrival of the third wave.

While dining in restaurants with 50% capacity was allowed earlier, the new Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) order issued on Sunday allowed bars, which were closed on April 19 night following the imposition of lockdown, to reopen from Monday. It can reopen with 50% seating capacity from 12 noon to 10 PM from Monday.

Read more: Crowds throng markets as Delhi unlocks; Experts warn of disastrous third wave

The owners of the restaurants and bars will be responsible for the strict adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including ensuring wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing and would face strict penal action in case of violation as well as the closure of the facility.

The order made it clear that bars, markets, malls and restaurants may face closure "without loss of time" in case the positivity rate or the number of cases are increasing so as to "completely avoid and prevent any upsurge and likelihood of next wave" in the national capital.

Public parks, gardens and golf clubs will be reopened while outdoor yoga activities will also be allowed, the DDMA order said. Besides the individual, the owners of the facilities, concerned Resident Welfare Associations, directors of Golf Clubs and yoga instructors will be held responsible for violations.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions, cinemas, gyms and spas will continue to remain closed while all kinds of political, social, cultural, religious gatherings will not be allowed.

The prohibited and restricted activities will continue with effect from 5 AM on Monday till 5 AM on June 28 or further orders, whichever is earlier, the order said.

"All district magistrates, district Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and other authorities concerned will take strict action against the defaulting persons, as per the applicable laws and rules, including the closure of such establishments, business premises, weekly markets, public parks and gardens," it said.

Already, the Delhi government had allowed the opening of markets, malls and shopping complexes besides permitting private enterprises to open its offices from 9 AM to 5 PM. Delhi Metro services also started two weeks ago with 50% capacity.

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(Published 20 June 2021, 07:36 IST)

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