The weekend curfew and the odd-even system for non-essential shops have been scrapped in Delhi while restaurants and bars will also be allowed to operate at 50% capacity, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority confirmed in light of the improving COVID-19 situation on Thursday.  

However, schools will remain shut for now. The decison to reopen schools will be made at the next DDMA meeting, PTI reported quoting officials. 

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Government offices have been allowed to reopen with 50% staff, while wedding ceremonies can also be held with a maximum of 200 guests at outdoor venues or 50% capacity at indoor venues. Until now, only 20 people were allowed to attend weddings at home.  

The decision was made at a virtual meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, which Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also attended. 

The night curfew imposed on weekdays from 10 pm to 5 am will continue. The meeting also decided for strict enforcement and enhancement of COVID appropriate behaviour and other guidelines to check rise in cases, they added.

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On Wednesday, Delhi recorded 7,498 new COVID-19 cases, increasing from 6,028 recorded on Tuesday, with a positivity rate of 10.59%. There are 38,315 active cases in the city, according to yesterday’s bulletin. 

Meanhwhile, Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain earlier today that the city is expected to record fewer than 5,000 cases today, adding that the positivity rate should also reduce from the current level. 

“The Covid situation is in control. Today Delhi will report less than 5,000 cases and the positivity rate will also come down from the existing 10%,” he said.