Delhi imposes weekend curfew amid Covid surge; Buses, metro to operate at full capacity

New De;hi, Jan 04: Amid a steady rise in Covid cases, the Delhi government has decided to impose weekend curfew to curb the infection. The decision was taken at crucial meeting held by Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).

"In view of the rise in cases, the government took a few decisions at the DDMA meeting today to help slow down the spread of the virus. Delhi will now have a weekend curfew on Saturdays and Sundays. We appeal to the people to stay at home unless extremely necessary, such as to go to the hospital," Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia told reporters.

Government employees, except those working in essential services, will work from home.Private offices will be allowed to open with 50 percent capacity.

"Buses and metros will operate at full capacity, but no one will be allowed to enter without a mask," the deputy chief minister said.

Delhi on Monday reported 4,099 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 6.46 per cent.

The number of new cases and positivity rate in the city is the highest since May 18.

According to the latest government data, only 420 (4.65 per cent) of the 9,029 beds in Delhi hospitals are occupied. As many as 124 patients need oxygen, while seven are on ventilator support.

With one more fatality, the death toll due to coronavirus in the city has risen to 25,100.

The number of cumulative cases on Monday stood at 14,58,220. Over 14.22 lakh patients have recovered from the infection.