New Delhi Mar 31 PTI The Delhi Disaster Management Authority DDMA decided on Thursday that there will be no fine now for not wearing face masks at public places in view of a significant decline in the number of fresh COVID-19 cases in the national capital official sources saidThey said at a meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor LG Anil Baijal there was consensus among all the participants about the lifting of all Covid-related restrictions even though the DDMA is yet to issue an order in this regardHowever most of the Covid-related restrictions have already been lifted by the authoritiesThe sources said the DDMA is likely to issue an advisory for people asking them to wear masks at crowded placesCurrently there is a fine of Rs 500 for not wearing masks at public places in DelhiThe Centre had earlier advised the states and Union territories to consider discontinuing the Covid containment measures in view of a sharp decline in the number of fresh cases of the infection in the countryThe decision to lift the restrictions in Delhi was taken at a meeting attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal his deputy Manish Sisodia Chief Secretary Vijay Dev and senior officers of the departments concernedWith a rise in the number of coronavirus cases in December last year due to its Omicron variant the Delhi government had imposed several restrictionsThe restrictions were lifted gradually when the situation normalised and finally the curbs were removed from February 28 However the rule related to wearing of masks at public places including in buses and metro trains continuedResidents welfare associations described the development as risky and shocking claiming that with the new relaxations 99 per cent of the citys population will stop taking any precautionThis is shocking that despite the number of Covid cases rising worldwide the mandate of wearing masks has been removed They are resuming flights and markets have been opened completely Now the mask which was providing basic precaution has also been made optional BS Vohra who heads the East Delhi RWA joint front told PTIPresident of North Delhi Resident Welfare Federation Ashok Bhasin said he supports the relaxation but complete removal of the rule is not sensibleIt is a good thing because now the terror in the name of civil defence will not be there But masks should have been made compulsory at crowded places he saidAfter the DDMA meeting the LG took to Twitter and said it was decided that the focus would be on hospital-based sentinel surveillance and enhancing vaccination coverage of the targeted populationWhile appreciating the efforts made by all stakeholders in management of COVID-19 emphasised upon the need to follow the 5 fold strategy of Test Track Treat Vaccinate and adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour as advised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare GOITo effectively meet any scenario in future that may arise advised all agencies to remain vigilant without lowering the guard he said in a series of tweetsDelhi reported 113 fresh Covid cases and no death due to the viral disease on Thursday while the positivity rate stood at 049 per cent according to data shared by the city health department PTI AKMVA RC

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], December 31 (ANI): Amid rising COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu, the state government on Friday informed that metro trains and theatres will operate with 50 per cent sitting capacity till January 10.

New Delhi Dec 28 PTI In response to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals decision to shut cinema halls amid spike in COVID-19 cases following the emergence of Omicron variant Kamal Gianchandani President Multiplex Association of India MAI on Tuesday appealed to the state government to reconsider the order as it could lead to an irreparable damage for the Indian film industry which had just started to recover from the effects of the lockdownsGianchandani instead suggested alternate methods to counter the surge of cases by introducing double vaccination requirement to enter theatres and going back to the seating capacity restriction of 50 per centKejriwal on Tuesday declared a yellow alert under which schools colleges cinemas and gyms will remain closed shops dealing in non-essential items will open on odd-even basis and metro trains and buses will run with 50 per cent of seating capacity in the cityIn accordance with Level-1 alert under the graded response action plan GRAP there would be night curfew between 10 pm and 5 am and private offices will function with physical attendance of 50 per cent of the staff barring essential categoriesDelhi Governments decision to shut down Cinemas in Delhi while enforcing the yellow alert of the Graded Response Action Plan GRAP has caused massive uncertainty and could lead to irreparable damage for the Indian Film Industry The period since March 2020 is undeniably the most challenging period faced by Indian cinemas in their long history Gianchandani said in a statementThe MAI president said the exhibition sector has adhered to the safety protocols as prescribed by the government and that not a single outbreak of Covid-19 anywhere around the world has been traced to a cinemaAfter being allowed to reopen cinemas have already demonstrated an ability to operate safely for the public and employees via usage of enhanced ventilation systems enhanced hygiene and other safety protocolsWhile we fully understand the need at Governments end to take necessary preventive measures we would request that cinemas should get equal treatment with comparable industries and institutions he addedLike Maharashtra Gianchandani said Delhi too could issue a rule that only those who are fully vaccinated would be allowed to enter theatresInstead of closing the cinemas we would urge the Delhi Government to consider introducing double vaccination requirement to enter cinemas as is the case in some of the other states including Maharashtra he saidAlternatively the seating capacity restriction of 50 can be reintroduced at cinemas We call on the Government to recognize the unique social cultural and economic value of the Indian film industry and to provide the support it so desperately needs to survive this unprecedented period he addedCinema halls in Delhi were allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity in the last week of July with the state government approving 100 per cent occupancy starting from November 1The MAI which represents more than 11 cinema chains operating more than 500 multiplexes across the country with around 2000 plus screens is a nationwide group of cinema operators that informs educates and advocates on behalf of the cinema exhibition sectorEarlier in the day the producers of Jersey on Tuesday said the Shahid Kapoor-starrer has been postponed yet again amid a surge in the coronavirus cases in the country and concerns over the Omicron variantThe news of the film being delayed for the fourth time comes just three days before its countrywide release in theatres on December 31Sports drama 83 which released last Friday despite receiving glowing reviews is struggling to keep the momentum at the box office going after the success of Sooryavanshi last month which was a much-needed reprieve for the exhibition industry amid the pandemicThe Kabir Khan directorial based on Indias historic win at the 1983 Cricket World Cup and fronted by Ranveer Singh has collected Rs 5429 crores in four days since its release in IndiaRohit Shettys cop action drama Sooryavanshi starring Akshay Kumar released during the Diwali weekend and saw an overwhelming response at the domestic box office minting Rs 196 crore netNext up for a theatrical release is SS Rajamoulis magnum opus RRR starring Ram Charan and Jr NTR on January 7 PTI RDS BK RDS RDS

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 18 (ANI): The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has decided to extend the timings of metro service in the city from September 18, operating between 6 am and 10 pm.

The fear of COVID-19 transmission increases as restaurants, malls, offices, gyms, and metro trains start opening. Crowded and public spaces are often poorly ventilated. And that’s exactly why crowded areas increase virus transmission. Here’s how ventilation can make a big difference in reducing coronavirus cases. Basics: How does COVID-19 spread? So far, we know that […]