Only 50 allowed at Delhi weddings

NEW DELHI, Nov 18, 2020, India Today. Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday officially approved the Delhi government’s decision to reduce the number of people at wedding ceremonies in the national capital from 200 to 50. The decision has been taken by the Delhi government in view of the rising cases in the national capital, India Today reported.

Baijal’s approval comes a day after the Delhi government had rolled back its decision of allowing 200 guests at wedding ceremonies. The Delhi government has also proposed sealing crowded markets in order to control the Covid-19 spike in the national capital.

On Tuesday, the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the government has decided to roll back its decision to allow a gathering of 200 people in marriage ceremonies in the city amid increasing coronavirus cases.

The number has now been restricted to just 50 guests.

Commenting on the decision, Kejriwal said, “When the Corona situation improved in Delhi a few weeks ago, the number of people attending a wedding was increased to 200, according to the Centre’s guidelines. Now it’s being withdrawn and only 50 people will be allowed. The decision has been sent for LG’s approval.”

During the press conference, Kejriwal also said that the government will send a separate proposal to seal busy markets in Delhi if there is a massive violation of Covid-19 safety norms.

“Since cases are rising in Delhi, we are sending a general proposal to Central Government, that if required, Delhi Govt can implement shutting down those markets for few days, where norms are not being followed and they are becoming a local Covid-19 hotspot,” Arvind Kejriwal said.

On availability of ICU beds in Delhi, Kejriwal said, “There are sufficient beds available in private and government hospitals but there is a crisis of ICU beds, the Centre is helping us with ICU beds to deal with the crisis.”

“I am thankful to Central govt for helping Delhi people by increasing 750 ICU beds immediately. All governments and agencies have doubled their efforts to control Covid-19 but it can’t be done till people take precautions. I appeal all to wear masks and follow social distancing,” he added.

Over the past month, Delhi has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 cases due to the festive season. Cases were gradually rising in the national capital during the festive season and sharply surged a few days before Diwali.

An India Today DIU analysis of available data from the US, Brazil and other countries indicated that since the beginning of November, Delhi’s Covid-19 surge has been the worst in the world.

However, Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain has clearly mentioned that there is no chance of another lockdown in Delhi and added that it will be more beneficial if people take all the required precautions.