Stadiums and sports complexes thrown open but cinemas stay shut as Delhi unlocks in phases

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<strong>Delhi will throw open stadiums and sports complexes from Monday, but spectators will not be allowed as the national capital unlocks the sixth phase, with the daily count of Covid-19 cases coming down to 86 on Saturday.</strong></p>
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However, cinema halls, multiplexes, and swimming pools will remain shut as the government does not want to take any chances and would like to ward off a potential third wave of the pandemic. </p>
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The Delhi government issued orders on Sunday allowing the sports facilities to function normally. Earlier, stadiums and sports complexes were open only for those training for national and international competitions or for the holding of these events.</p>
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Now the government has opened them up on a regular basis, but without spectators.</p>
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There will be strict adherence to standard operating procedure and other guidelines of the government, and compliance of Covid-appropriate behaviour, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said.</p>
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Spas, schools and colleges, social, political, cultural, religious, and other such gatherings will remain prohibited, its order has stated.</p>
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Delhi Metro trains and public transport buses will continue to operate with 50 percent seating capacity, the order said.</p>
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Last week, the DDMA allowed the opening of gyms and yoga institutes, allowing them to function at half their capacity, while weddings at banquet and halls and hotels were okayed at 50 per cent attendance.</p>
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The new relaxations will come into effect from 5am on Monday and the prohibited and restricted activities are extended till 5am of July 12.</p>
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Delhi reported 86 new Covid-19 cases and five deaths on Saturday, the state health department said in its daily bulletin. It was the third consecutive day when the number of fresh reported were below the 100 mark. The positivity rate of the national capital has declined to 0.11 per cent and currently there are 1,016 active cases in the city.</p>