Indian capital closes cinemas, schools as Covid cases rise

[NEW DELHI] New Delhi will close cinemas, schools and gyms and introduce other restrictions on public gatherings as Omicron-related Covid infections continue to rise, according to a government statement.

The city has reported 0.5 per cent case positivity over the last 2 days and the first tier of Covid-19 alerts has kicked in, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said at a press conference Tuesday (Dec 28).

This also includes a night curfew between 10 pm to 5 am, 50 per cent occupancy in bars and restaurants and all public transport. Shops in markets and malls selling non-essential items will open on alternate days and schools will only function online, according to the government order. Private offices will only be allowed to have 50 per cent of their staff in attendance.

Delhi reported 496 new infections on Tuesday, according to a government health bulletin, the highest in more than 4 months even though new infections remain low at the national level. The country recorded 6,358 new cases, the latest data showed Tuesday morning, taking the total tally to 34.8 million infections.

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