The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to lift all Covid-related restrictions from Monday, and also allow schools to discontinue online/ hybrid classes in favour of physical classes from April 1, Indian Express reported.

The decision comes after two months of curbs that took a toll on economic activities in the capital. The restrictions were imposed on December 26 last year, in the wake of rising cases driven by the Omicron variant.

Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: “DDMA withdraws all restrictions as situation improves and people facing hardships due to loss of jobs. Schools to function fully offline from 1 April. Fines for not wearing masks reduced to Rs 500. All should continue following Covid appropriate behaviour. Government will keep strict watch.”

Currently, the fine for not wearing a mask is Rs 2,000.

The announcement means that night curfew will be lifted, markets can stay open till 10 pm, and restaurants, bars, cafes, and cinema halls can function at 100 per cent seating capacity. Currently, all markets and shops operate from 10 am to 8 pm. Sources said while restaurants, bars and cafes can remain open till 11 pm, this may be extended to midnight.

Schools will be resuming fully offline classes after a gap of almost two years.

The decision was taken as Delhi’s Covid positivity rate continues to hover around 1 per cent or less. The city reported 460 new cases, two deaths and a positivity rate of 0.81 per cent in the last 24 hours. Sources said the restrictions may be re-imposed if there is an increase in the number of cases.