New Delhi: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced sweeping restrictions, including a weekend curfew and the closure of malls, gyms, spas and auditoriums on all days, in a bid to break the chain of COVID-19 infections in the city.

There will be no in-house dining in restaurants and cinema halls will be allowed to operate with only 30% capacity, the chief minister said at an online press conference a day after the city recorded the biggest single-day jump 17,282 new COVID-19 cases. The city also saw 100 deaths on Wednesday.

"During the weekdays, a majority of people step out to go to work. But during weekends, people mostly step out for activities that can be avoided," the chief minister said.

Kejriwal said essential services and weddings will not be affected during the weekend curfew and passes will be provided to those attending weddings.

The chief minister also said there was no shortage of hospital beds and over 5,000 were still available for COVID patients. Efforts to increase beds on a large scale will also be made, he said.

Restaurants in the national capital will be allowed to do home deliveries, Kejriwal announced, adding that only one weekly market in a zone will be allowed to open per day and steps will be taken to control crowds in those permitted to function.

"These restrictions are for your sake, for you and you families. It will be inconvenient but these restrictions are necessary to break the chain of transmission," Arvind Kejriwal said in a video address. "Don't panic. All essential services will be available through the weekend."

COVID-19 cases, he said, are rising every day in Delhi and the restrictions were needed to check the spread of the virus.

Also read: India Reports More Than 2 Lakh Daily New COVID-19 Cases for First Time

The government will also ensure strict enforcement of COVID appropriate behaviour such as wearing masks, Kejriwal said, noting that many people were still not following it.

Kejriwal's announcement comes at a time when the country is facing a severe second wave of infections, including in Delhi. According to NDTV, Delhi was one of the states where the 'double mutant' strain of the novel coronavirus has been found.

The city's crematoriums are also seeing surging numbers of cremations everyday, higher that the regular average.

Last year, Delhi was under complete lockdown between March 22 and May 18. Reopening took place in stages after that.

(With PTI inputs)

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