Delhi allows opening of weekly markets, hotels; gyms to remain shut

New Delhi : In a major relief to the stalled businesses, Delhi has allowed reopening of weekly markets, hotels on trial basis. However, the gyms will remain closed till further notice.

A crucial review meeting was held by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on the issue on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by the Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, and AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria among other top officials.

The Union government has allowed opening of hotels, gyms and weekly markets under its Unlock 3 guidelines but the businesses were suffering due to no permits issued from the Governor.

Earlier this month, the Delhi government had sent at least three separate proposals to Lt Governor Anil Baijal about reopening hotels and weekly markets given that the COVID-19 situation in Delhi had improved drastically. The AAP government had said that COVID-19 cases have been increasing in several states and the situation is “frequently deteriorating”, but hotels, gyms and weekly have been allowed there.

The Governor, however, had rejected them claiming that the situation is still critical in the national capital and allowing such things will boost coronavirus trouble.

Meanwhile, Delhi recorded a total of 1,374 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the national capital’s tally to 1.54 lakh. At least 12 new fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours.