Delhi govt announces night curfew restrictions amid new Covid strain scare

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has announced a curfew in the city on New Year’s Eve and tomorrow between 11 pm of December 31 to 6 am of January 1, 2021. Not more than five people are allowed to assemble at a public place. However, the order exempts licensed premises.

This comes days after 20 cases of new mutant coronavirus strain were reported across the country. The new strain, first detected in the United Kingdom in September, is believed to be significantly more infectious.

“A detailed assessment of the situation in Delhi has been made and considering the threat posed by the mutant UK strain of Covid-19 virus and after observing the local incidents of Covid-19 pandemic in Delhi, it is apprehended that gatherings, congregations, and public celebrations of New Year pose a considerable threat of spread of virus and may cause setback to the appreciable gains made in the suppression of chain of transmission of Covid-19 cases in Delhi,” an order issued by Chief Secretary Vijay Dev said.

It added, “Night curfew will be in force (not more than five persons to assemble at public places), and no new year celebratory events, congregations and gatherings at the public place will be permitted from 11 pm of December 31 to 6 am of January 1, 2021, and also from 11 pm of January 1 to 6 am of January 2. Public places will not include the licensed premises.. However, there will be no restriction on interstate and intrastate movement of persons and goods during the curfew period.”

The chief secretary has also directed all District Magistrates, DCPs and all authorities concerned to ensure strict compliance of the order.