The Delhi government has allowed reopening of bars, public parks and gardens from Monday under a phased easing of restrictions, which were imposed due to the second Covid wave.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in an order on Sunday stated that bars will be allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity, from 12 pm to 10 pm, from next week.

The owners of restaurants and bars will be responsible for strict adherence to Covid safety measures and all official guidelines and norms, it said.

Public parks, gardens and golf clubs will be reopened and outdoor Yoga activities will also be allowed, the DDMA stated in its order.

Restaurants will be allowed to stay open from 8 am to 10 pm, instead of the current 10 am to 8 pm.

Prohibited activities and services, including cinemas, gyms, spas among others will remain closed till 5 am on June 28, it said.

The new rules come amid a time when doctors have warned against the crowding of marketplaces as well as the risks of a rapid unlock. Despite the ravages of the second wave of the virus in which thousands died and the healthcare system practically collapsed, especially in Delhi, the public disregard for safety norms have not changed, they said.

If Covid-appropriate behaviour is not followed and crowding not prevented, the next wave of the viral infection can strike the country in the next six to eight weeks, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria warned on Saturday.