COVID-19 in Delhi: Cinema halls, malls, metros labelled 'super spreader' areas, no public gatherings on festivals

The Delhi government has also prohibited public congregations, celebrations and gatherings on festivals like Holi, Navratri, Shab-e-Barat, etc to curb the spread of coronavirus. According to Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev's order, "All authorities concerned will ensure that public celebrations and gatherings, congregations during upcoming festivals like Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Navratri, etc shall not be allowed in public places/public grounds/public parks/markets/religious places etc in NCT of Delhi."

Also read: COVID-19 in Delhi: No public celebrations on Holi, Navratri amid rising cases

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to conduct random COVID-19 testing at the Delhi airport and all railway stations in the national capital. According to a Delhi government official, "Since there are festivals coming, experts and lieutenant governor stressed the need for more caution and regulation. It was decided that the government will start random testing at the Delhi airport and all railway stations. Passengers coming from states with high incidences of COVID-19 cases will also be the main focus of such random testing. But others will also be checked."

Delhi's COVID-19 cases peaked to more than 6.49 lakh while 6.34 lakh patients have recovered. Total 10,967 people have succumbed to the contagion so far whereas there are 4,411 active cases in the national capital. The state government will also ramp up its vaccination drive wherein the authorities will prioritise economically weaker sections since they can't access digital platforms to register themselves to get vaccinated.

With agency inputs

Also read: COVID-19 surge: Random testing to start at Delhi airport, railway stations

Also read: COVID-19 vaccine free for all in govt facilities in Delhi