Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced phased unlocking of the national capital as 1,141 new cases were recorded from 71,853 tests, that translated to 2 per cent positivity rate for three consecutive days. In the first phase, starting Monday, the construction sector and factories can resume work after the second wave of Covid-19 devastated the city, forcing the authorities to shut down all establishments except the essential services since April 19.

The positivity rate of coronavirus infection fell under 5 per cent on May 21 and has been declining since then, according to official estimates quoted by IBNS.

According to WHO, positivity rates below 5 per cent for two weeks straight indicates an outbreak has been brought under control.

Kejriwal said the unlock process will be started from Monday to minimise loss of livelihoods as the infection spread has been controlled and there is no shortage of hospitals, medical oxygen and ICU beds in Delhi.  He said the decision was taken Friday in a meeting of the Delhi Lieutenant governor Anil Baijal-led and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.