Coronavirus: Delhi has ended night curfew as COVID-19 cases continue to fall
Night curfew in Delhi will end from Monday, the government said today as COVID-19 cases continue to fall. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority, or DDMA, has also reduced the fine for not wearing mask from Rs 1,000 to Rs 500. All schools can take classes on campus from April 1.
The decision to end the night curfew and reopen schools fully was taken as COVID-19 cases have come down, sources said. There were also concerns over people facing hardships due to loss of businesses, they said.
With night curfew gone, shops, restaurants and other establishments can remain open till late at night.
The government will, however, keep a strict watch to ensure people follow COVID-19 safety measures, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.
The restrictions will remain deactivated if the national capital's positivity rate, or the number of infections every 100 tests, remains below 1 per cent.
The DDMA in its meeting earlier this month had allowed on-campus learning in schools and colleges to reopen for some classes and shortened night curfew from 11 pm, instead of 10 pm.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry, an association of traders in Delhi, has written to the Lieutenant Governor demanding that since the COVID-19 cases and infection rate are falling, the restrictions should be completely removed.
The Home Ministry has also asked states and Union Territories to consider relaxing Covid curbs for social, sports, entertainment, academic and religious events as well as night curfew hours.