Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Friday rejected Delhi Government’s recommendations on the lifting of weekend curfew and reducing Covid-related restrictions. The Kejriwal Government proposed relaxation in curbs as the positivity rate has come down from 31 per cent to 17 per cent.
The Delhi administration had also proposed the removal of odd-even restrictions imposed on shops and other commercial establishments in the city.
Baijal clarified that existing restrictions should remain in force until the Covid-19 situation further improves. He, however, allowed Delhi Government’s proposal that private offices should operate at 50 per cent capacity.
“A status quo remains with regards to the opening of markets as the case positivity rate of Delhi is still above 21 per cent and the number of daily coronavirus cases being reported is over 12,000, “the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) noted.
Reacting on L-G’s decision, the Chief Minister’s Office said that it is unfortunate that L- G has rejected the demand of traders and the business community. “LG has rejected the proposal of elected Government despite the fact that corona cases are reducing at a very fast pace. When all markets of Gurugram and Noida are open, why should the business community of Delhi be made to suffer by BJP’s Central Government,” said a statement from CMO.
Meanwhile, as per the fresh order of DDMA, the current night curfew between 10 pm and 5 am, and weekend curfew in the city will remain in place till further orders in view of the Covid-19.
The authority also has decided to offer relaxation to the functioning of private offices in the national Capital. “Private offices that are not present in containment zones, can operate with a maximum capacity of 50% attendance. Private firms have been directed to stagger work timings and the presence of employees at the same time in order to ensure social distancing is maintained at the workplace,” the order said.
Earlier, the authority had ordered 100 percent work-from-home for private offices.