Covid spike in Delhi could trigger Yellow Alert, night curfew announced

A night curfew has been imposed in the national capital after the case positivity rate in the city rose last a critical 0.5% due to an influx of over 250 cases and a new death reported on Sunday. If the case positivity rate remains high for two consecutive days then a Yellow Alert will be triggered which will introduce fresh restrictions on businesses, restaurants, malls and theatres.

Night curfew has been introduced from 11PM - 5AM on Monday under the Delhi government's four-stage Graded response Action Plan (GRAP). If the alert is issued then it would affect restaurants, which would be ordered to operate at 50% capacity, close down theatres, and affect shop timings which will come under the odd-even opening rules from 11AM - 8PM.

The restrictions are aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 during an u high-risk period between Christmas and New Year where many celebrations and gathering usually take place. The government also fears an uptick in cases of Omicron, which according to leading scientists will precipitate a possible third wave of infections that will peak in January.

Delhi on Sunday reported 290 new Covid-19 cases and and one fatality, while the positivity rate rose to 0.55%, according to data shared by the Delhi government's health department. With this, the cumulative tally rose to 14,43,352 while the death toll rose to 25,105. The number of active cases stands at 1,103, of which 583 patients are in home isolation.

In November, the city's average positivity rate was around 0.07%. A week ago, the rate was around 0.2% before it climbed to 0.43% on Saturday.