The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Friday allowed a phased reopening of schools for students in classes 9 to 12, as well as higher education and coaching institutions and gymnasiums, starting Monday, as Covid-19 cases drop. It bars unvaccinated teachers from returning to work.

DDMA said that if car drivers travel alone, they will not need to wear masks, and all offices can now be 100% available.

The curfew has also been eased and will be in place from 11pm to 5am. It’s in place from 10pm to 5am.

A DDMA official said the easing was announced in light of the marked improvement in the Covid situation. The official added that a large number of students in the 15-18 age group were also vaccinated.

The health department assessed infection trends and recommended to DDMA that remaining restrictions be lifted. The changes will be implemented following the DDMA’s order Friday evening. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will share more details at the DDMA meeting.

On January 27, the DDMA lifted weekend curfews and odd-even restrictions on markets. It has also allowed cinemas, restaurants and bars to reopen with a 50% seating cap. The hat has not changed.

Most restrictions on business activity have now been lifted.

Experts have been warning that continued school closures are hurting learning outcomes as well as children’s mental health. Schools in Delhi have mostly been closed since March 2020.

Dr Jugal Kishore, head of the community medicine department at Safdarjung Hospital, said the positivity rate for Covid-19 in Delhi is below 5 per cent and is declining rapidly across the country. He added that most cases were mild in nature and the mortality rate only occurred in those with comorbidities. So it’s important to get back to normal, Kishore said. “The reopening of schools is critical to student growth and development, as is the case for gyms and other commercial establishments.”

Delhi recorded 2,668 cases on Thursday, with a positivity rate of 4.3%, the lowest since the beginning of the year. The capital passed the peak of a milder infection wave three weeks ago.

Completed News Source – HINDUSTAN TIMES