Delhi is under a 55-hour-long weekend curfew, which has been imposed by the Delhi government to check the surge in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases. It started at 10pm on Friday and will remain in place till 5am on Monday.

The curfew and other restrictions were announced by the DDMA as Delhi’s positivity rate went past 15 per cent and the number of daily Covid-19 cases crossed the 15,000-mark. On Friday, Covid-19 cases went beyond 17,000 and positivity mounted to 17.73 per cent.

The positivity rate was below 1 per cent on December 28.

While all the non-essential services have been banned, certain exemptions have been given to people who are associated with emergency services, to patients availing medical services, those going for Covid test or vaccination and students appearing for exams.

What is a weekend curfew?

These are the restrictions imposed by competent authorities to stop people coming out for non-essential work since Covid-19 cases are increasing at a rapid pace in the national capital.

These measures were put in place to check for overcrowding as weekends are when people go out with their families. Industry body SCAI said in a report that sales in shopping centres and malls fell by 25% due to the restrictions.

The weekend curfew began on January 7 at 10 p.m. and will continue until 5 a.m. on January 10. Delhi has imposed a curfew from 10pm to 5am.

What if I don’t follow the orders?

If anyone is found to have violated the instructions, they will be dealt with in accordance with Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 88 of the Indian Penal Code and other applicable laws.

Will e-passes be needed, or will identity cards work?

Government officials, health care and front-line workers, diplomats and journalists will be required to show ID; those providing essential services will need to produce electronic passes on request.

What if I need to travel outside Delhi? Can I travel on an inter-state bus?

Yes, interstate buses are allowed to move. However, you will need an e-pass or a valid ticket to get to the ISBT where you took the bus.

Can I hail an auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw or cycle rickshaw?

Yes, if you commute by auto rickshaw, electric rickshaw or bicycle rickshaw for essential services, or if you are planning to get a Covid-19 vaccine (using an e-pass) or to receive medical treatment. However, if you are stopped for other reasons while traveling, you will be prosecuted.

Can I get a ride on app-based cab aggregator?

You can, if you are traveling for essential services or travel, or to get to the city by train, plane, etc. In this case, you need to have a valid ID, e-pass or travel ticket.

Can I go to a shopping mall/cinema hall/theatre/gym/restaurant over the weekend?

Cinemas, theatres, gyms and spas are closed throughout the day until further orders are made. Stores located in shopping centres are open in odd and even numbers (10am to 8pm), and dine-in service in restaurants and bars is capped at 50% seating capacity on weekdays. However, these will be closed during the weekend curfew. Only takeaways and deliveries are allowed during this period.

Can I walk my pet during the curfew?

Yes, if it is extremely urgent, but only within your residential colony. You may be questioned, though.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times