Delhi schools to operate offline from April 1, fine for no mask reduced to Rs 500

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority announced on Friday that all COVID-19 restrictions in the capital would be lifted, including the night curfew and the 50 per cent capacity rule at restaurants and bars. In the latest announcement, all schools will function fully from April 1 and fine for not wearing mask has been reduced to Rs 500.

Announcing the relaxations, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that everyone should adhere to COVID appropriate behaviour as government would keep a strict watch.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attended the meeting, as did Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, Revenue Minister Kailash Gehlot, NITI Aayog member VK Paul, and Health Department officials. COVID-appropriate behaviour, masking, surveillance, testing, and vaccination have all been emphasised.

The DDMA approved several relaxations at its meeting earlier this month, including the opening of schools and colleges and the extension of the night curfew to 11 pm instead of 10 pm. 

On Thursday, 556 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Delhi, with 6 deaths as a result. The national capital's positivity rate is 1.10 per cent, according to the city's health department.

The Chamber of Trade and Industry, a trade association in Delhi, has written to the Lieutenant Governor demanding that the restrictions be lifted immediately because COVID-19 cases and infection rates are decreasing. The Home Ministry has also requested that states and union territories consider relaxing Covid restrictions for social, sporting, entertainment, academic, and religious events, as well as night curfew hours.

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