NEW DELHI: On a day when fresh Covid-19 cases in Delhi jumped by 50% in 24 hours, the level 1 (yellow alert) of the Graded Response Action Plan kicked in with strict curbs to stem the spread of infections.
CM Arvind Kejriwal sought to assure Delhiites that the measures were aimed at curbing a rapid rise of cases and that there was no need to panic.
The first level of GRAP would see schools, colleges, cinema halls, banquet halls, gyms etc close down, while public transport will run with restrictions. Delhi Metro restricted entry to stations shortly after the order even as some cinema hall owners said they were yet to receive a communication about the curbs.
Delhi posted 496 Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, up from 331 on Monday, with the test positivity rate climbing to 0.89%. If the positivity rate goes beyond 1% for two straight days, the level 2 (amber alert) of GRAP would come into effect, resulting in stricter restrictions.
After chairing a review meeting on Covid-19 on Tuesday, the CM said cases have been rising in the city over the past few days, just as in several other parts of the country.
CM urges people to follow Covid norms to curb spread
The positive part this time is that there is absolutely no reason to be worried or scared, as the new cases that are coming up are mainly mild or asymptomatic in nature. In most cases, patients are not needing oxygen support, nor hospitalisation, ventilators or ICU facilities," he said, adding that people should not stress about the rising number of cases also because the Delhi government was "fully prepared" to tackle the rise.
"Despite these preparations, we are inclined to encourage prevention over treatment later and we do not want anyone to suffer from fever, cough, or any other symptoms. We want to avoid the spread of this variant, no matter how mild it is," he said. Kejriwal said the government has been repeatedly appealing to the public to mask up whenever they step out.
The CM said that the restrictions were being imposed "to prevent the virus from entering people's homes". He said the GRAP was formulated a few months ago to take appropriate action and impose restrictions depending on the level of spread of the coronavirus. "We developed this plan so that we wouldn't have to sit down and brainstorm our plan of action every time," he said, adding that GRAP ensures a scientific and systematic approach to impose a certain amount of restrictions at a certain percentage of Covid prevalence.
"I want the public to note that these restrictions are for their own safety. While I understand that people are frustrated with having dealt with Covid restrictions time and again for over two years now. But we have no choice but to take these measures to protect our health and our lives," he said. "It deeply pains us to receive news describing overcrowded markets accompanied with pictures and videos showing people roaming maskless in such crowds. If people don't take care of themselves, then how will anyone else be able to help them?" he said. The CM said the trend observed in around a month confirmed that the new variant was very mild and that in case any worrisome situation arises, he would inform the people on priority.
With the level 1 of GRAP now in effect, schools, colleges and all educational institutions would remain closed, as would cinema halls, multiplexes, banquet halls, auditoriums, spas, gyms, yoga institutes and entertainment parks etc. While social, entertainment, religious, political and festival-related gatherings are not allowed, religious places would remain open with no visitors allowed in. Delhiites are allowed to take a walk, run or play at parks, gardens and golf courses and carry out yoga activity, but picnics are barred.
Private offices can operate between 9am and 5pm, but only at 50% attendance, unless the office deals in providing essential services. While shops dealing with essential goods would be allowed to open on all days, those dealing in non-essential goods would open between 10am and 8pm on an odd-even basis, based on the shop number. Only one authorised weekly market has been allowed for every municipal zone and with 50% vendors. Restaurants can open between 8am and 10pm with 50% capacity and bars between noon and 10pm with 50% capacity. Hotels and lodges are allowed to operate, as are barber shops, beauty parlours and salons. Construction activities are allowed, and all industries and manufacturing units can operate.
