Joining other Indian states, Delhi authorities, too, imposed a night curfew in the capital city on 31 December and 1 January, to restrict New Year celebrations, amid the global pandemic.
The restrictions come amid concerns over the new coronavirus strain from the UK. As many as 25 people in India have found to be positive with the new strain, with eight of them being from Delhi.
Are celebrations completely banned? Are house parties allowed? Here’s what you need to know.
What are the night curfew rules?
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has imposed a night curfew in Delhi on Thursday, 31 December, and Friday, 1 January.
No more than five people will be allowed to assemble at public places and no New Year celebration events, congregations and gatherings at public places will be permitted from 11 pm of 31 December to 6 am of 1 January, and 11 pm of 1 January to 6 am of 2 January, the order by Chief Secretary Vijay Dev read.
Does this mean I can’t be commuting after 11 pm?
No, there will be no restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movements of people and goods during the period of the curfew. It is only for gatherings at public places.
What are the restrictions at bars and pubs?
- Restaurants and bars have been asked to host not more than 50 percent of their capacity.
- After 10 pm, music will be allowed up to only the permissible noise limit.
- Limited parking will be available at Connaught Place (CP) and parkings at unauthorised locations will result in towing of vehicles.
Are house parties allowed?
Yes, the Delhi government’s order does not say anything about celebrations at private places. However, it is advisable to maintain physical distancing and avoid large gatherings.
What are the traffic restrictions I should be aware of?
Buses won't be allowed inside Connaught Place area after 7 pm on 31 December, the Delhi Transport Department announced.
No vehicle movement towards Connaught Place will be allowed from the Mandi house roundabout, Bengali Market roundabout, north foot of Ranjit Singh Flyover (Barakhamba Road-Tolstoy Marg crossing), Minto Road-Deen Dayal Upadhaya Marg crossing and Chelmsford Road near Munje Chowk (New Delhi Railway Station).
Vehicles towards CP won’t be allowed from the RK Ashram Marg-Chitragupta Marg crossing, Gole Market roundabout, Gol Dakkhana roundabout, Patel Chowk, Kasturba Gandhi Road-Feroz Shah Road crossing, Jai Singh Road-Bangla Sahib Lane, Pachkuian Road-Bangla Sahib Lane, Windsor Place roundabout, Buta Singh Marg roundabout and the State Entry Road-New Delhi Railway Station as well.
What’s the COVID-19 situation in the capital?
The national capital has reported over 6.24 lakh cases of coronavirus till now, with the death toll standing at more than 10,500. As many as 677 cases and 21 fatalities were reported on Wednesday.
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