Yellow Alert in National Capital: Schools, Colleges, and Cinemas to shut.
Written by Shivangi Chawla
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has implemented new restrictions for the public and businesses following the huge spike in Covid cases in the capital. Just like in the past, multiplexes will be shut. “
Delhi government’s decision to shut down cinemas while enforcing ‘yellow’ alert of the graded response action plan has caused massive uncertainty and could lead to irreparable damage for the Indian film industry,” said Kamal Gianchandani, president, Multiplex Association of India (MAI), in a statement.
The MAI statement said not a single outbreak of Covid-19 anywhere in the world had been traced to a cinema. “While we fully understand the need at government’s end, to take necessary preventive measures, we would request that cinemas should get equal treatment with comparable industries and institutions,” read the statement.
MIA has urged the Delhi government to consider introducing a “double vaccination requirement” to enter cinemas.”
However, In Delhi, Restaurants are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity from 8 am to 10 pm as a bar from 12 noon to 10 pm. Delhi has a night curfew (10 pm to 5 am) but not on weekends.
On this Priyank Sukhija, Delhi chapter head of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), said “We feel it’s an unfair decision. It’s not that the Covid-19 virus gets more virulent after 11 pm, “I understand that 50 percent for restaurant capacity is necessary but the night curfew is singling out the restaurant community. Mumbai and few other cities have similar restrictions but are allowed to operate till midnight.”
Moreover, private offices have to function with 50 percent staff between 9 am to 5 pm, barring those in essential services.
The Delhi Metro will operate at 50 percent capacity. Metro and buses are ordered to function with 50 percent capacity, while malls and shops will remain open on an odd-even basis between 10 am and 8 pm.
Online deliveries will continue. Standalone shops and markets in residential colonies are exempt from the odd-even rule. Hotels and lodges are open but banquets and conferences are not allowed.
Marriage-related gatherings are allowed with up to 20 people, with restrictions that the marriage is organized at the court or at home. Also, no more than 20 people can be present at funerals. Parks and gardens will be kept open for walking, running, and playing but not for picnics.