50 can assemble for a wedding, 20 for a funeral in the Capital

NEW DELHI: Maximum 50 people would be allowed at wedding functions and not more than 20 people could attend a funeral, as per a latest order which lists the relaxations prescribed by the Centre for the ‘red zone’ in the national capital during the ongoing national lockdown.

“Not more than 50 people are allowed at wedding functions and not more than 20 at last rites of a deceased person,” said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal during a video conference.

Strict restrictions had been in place in the national capital as part of the measures to contain the spread of Covid-19. The latest order has come in as the Centre announced the extension of the national lockdown till May 17. Earlier, the lockdown had been announced till May 3.

Besides gatherings standalone shops in neighbourhoods and those selling essential commodities in shopping complexes will continue to remain open in the national capital from Monday, the Delhi government order said on Sunday. However, malls and market complexes will remain closed, the order clarified.

STAND-ALONE LIQUOR STORES WITH L6, L8 LICENCES TO OPEN

The Delhi government has allowed stand-alone liquor shops in the city to open from Monday, 40 days since they were shut. Also, stand-alone shops selling paan, gutka and tobacco products have been allowed to reopen.

These shops are allowed to open from 9am to 6.30pm, said officials.

Establishments have been mandated to maintain strict social distancing, including a prohibition on gatherings of more than five persons at a time at the outlet. “These shops shall ensure a minimum six feet distance among customers and also ensure that not more than five persons are present at one time at the shop,” an order issued by the Delhi government stated.

None of the exemptions is applicable for containment zones, said officials.

A senior government official said not all liquor vends will be allowed to open.