Delhi govt to maintain status quo on prohibited activities due to COVID-19 till 31 Oct

New Delhi: The Delhi government has decided to maintain status quo on prohibited and permitted activities till 31 October in the National Capital. In an order issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Wednesday night, Chief Secretary Vijay Dev said that two weekly markets in each civic body zone will be allowed. The order stated that all social, academic, entertainment, cultural, religious, political functions as well as other gatherings and large congregations will continue to be prohibited across the city. However, maximum 50 people will be allowed in marriage related gatherings and maximum 20 people are allowed in funeral and last rites related gatherings, it stated. On Wednesday, the Union Home Ministry issued new guidelines for permitting more activities in areas outside the containment zones that included opening up of cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 percent of their seating capacity from 15 October. States and Union Territories have been given the flexibility to decide on reopening schools and coaching institutions after 15 October in a graded manner, and permitting social, religious and political gatherings beyond the limit of 100 people, subject to certain conditions.