Weekend curfew in Delhi: What's open, what's not

As the national capital becomes the city with the highest number of COVID cases, Delhi's weekend curfew is back. The rising COVID cases have triggered widespread alarm once again with states announcing lockdown- like restrictions, night curfews and weekend curfews all over again to curb the rising coronavirus cases. The news is also in the air that the weekend curfew in the national capital could be extended if Delhi's COVID-19 case tally continues to rise in the coming days.

Here's everything you need to know about the weekend curfew announced in Delhi.

Arvind Kejriwal's announcement

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced a weekend curfew to curb rising coronavirus cases in the national capital. The decision was taken after a meeting between CM Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal.
Addressing a presser, CM Kejriwal said the weekend curfew will come into effect from April 17 onwards and will be enforced from 10 pm on Friday evening till 6 am on Monday.

COVID crisis in Delhi

The COVID crisis in Delhi is worsening by the day. With hospitals running out of oxygen supplies, vaccines, and hospitals beds, the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.  Amid a massive surge in cases, the Delhi government has issued an order to ramp up the number of beds reserved for COVID-19 patients at its hospitals and attach banquet halls and hotels to these facilities. As per Kejriwal Delhi has 5000 vacant beds for patients.
Crematoriums and burial grounds are overwhelmed due to a sharp rise in Covid-19 deaths. The Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi's biggest crematorium ground, has seen a spike in cremation since April 11.
The ghat observed the last rites of 13 COVID-19 victims on April 10. But on April 11, it rose to 24;  22 on April 12, and 33 on April 13.

 Lockdowns, night curfews in other states

The situation is turning worse for other states as well. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab are also witnessing massive surge in COVID cases. COVID's second wave has prompted other states too to take measures to control the pandemic spread. States like Maharashtra, Punjab, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh have also been battling viruses by announcing new guidelines, announcing night curfews and introducing lockdown-like restrictions.