Delhi throws open bars & public parks but gyms, cinemas to stay shut in phased unlocking

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<strong>The Delhi government has allowed reopening of bars, public parks and golf clubs and extended the timing for restaurants by two hours from Monday in a further easing of restrictions which form part of the strategy to unlock the city gradually as the ferocious second Covid-19 wave is receding.</strong></p>
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However, prohibited activities and services, including cinemas, gyms, spas among others will remain closed till 5 am on June 28, it said.</p>
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The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in an order on Sunday stated that bars will be allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity, from 12 pm to 10 pm, from next week. Restaurants can stay open from 8 am to 10 pm, instead of the current 10 am to 8 pm. However, the owners of restaurants and bars will be responsible for strict adherence to</p>
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Covid-19 safety measures and all official guidelines and norms, the order said.</p>
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Public parks, gardens and golf clubs will be reopened and outdoor Yoga activities will also be allowed, the DDMA stated in its order.</p>
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However, there is increasing concern over crowds thronging the markets and several people neither wearing masks nor observing social distancing norms.  </p>
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According AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria, a third Covid wave in India is "inevitable" and could even strike in the next six to eight weeks as people are not following Covid-appropriate behaviour.</p>
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Dr Guleria came out in favour of a gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions as there was a need to "factor in human behaviour while unlocking."</p>
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"As we have started unlocking, there is again a lack of Covid-appropriate behaviour. We don't seem to have learnt from what happened between the first and the second wave. Again crowds are building up… people are gathering. It will take some time for the number of cases to start rising at the national level. Third wave is inevitable and it could hit the country within the next six to eight weeks or may be a little longer," Dr Guleria said.</p>