Delhi Unlock: Kejriwal Govt Allows Markets, Malls, Bars to Open Beyond 8 pm From Monday

The Delhi government has allowed markets, malls, restaurants and bars to stay open beyond 8 pm from August 23, which means they can stay open till their normal timings. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the announcement on Twitter on Saturday. He said the decision was taken in view of declining Covid-19 cases in the national capital.

Delhi did not report any Covid death on Saturday, the second consecutive day that the daily death count has stood still. According to the health department, however, 19 fresh cases were reported but this was the lowest since April 15 last year.

Markets, restaurants and bars were closed with a surging second Covid wave in Delhi, from April 19. With improvement in the pandemic situation, markets, shopping complexes and malls were allowed to reopen between 10 am to 8 pm from June 14, by the DDMA. The closing time of markets in different parts of the city are decided by the market associations concerned.

Liquor Stores to Open Till 10 pm:

The liquor stores in the city that were allowed to open till 8 pm will also be allowed to open till their normal closing timing of 10 pm, officials said.

Restaurants and Bars in Delhi:

The restaurants and bars were allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity from June 21. However, a cap of 8 pm was imposed on their closing timings. Under the phased reopening of the economy, restaurants were later allowed to open from 8 am to 10 pm, while bars were permitted to serve customers from 12 noon to 10 pm.

The restaurants and bars will now be allowed to remain open till their normal closing timing at 12 in the night. However, the restriction on 50 per cent seating capacity will continue, according to a DDMA order issued in Saturday.

Overall Situation Improves in Delhi:

The status of COVID-19 in NCT of Delhi has again been reviewed and it has been observed that though the overall number of COVID-19 patients and positivity rate has declined considerably and the overall situation has improved, due caution and care has to be continued, said the order.

“….adequate standards of Covid-appropriate behaviour continues to be followed and any such activity, that can lead to surge in cases, is allowed only after rigorous and due diligence,” stated the order.

The prohibited and restricted activities according to the DDMA order will remain in force from August 24 to 31, it said.

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