As the number of new infections fell to the lowest level since March 31, many states, including the capital New Delhi, eased restrictions.

Many states in India have relaxed restrictions on the coronavirus, including the capital New Delhi. Authorities have allowed all stores and shopping malls to open because the number of new infections has fallen to the lowest level in more than two months.

Experts warn against a full reopening because India has only vaccinated 5% of its estimated 950 million adults with the necessary two doses, leaving millions of people at a disadvantage.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, the number of infections in India peaked in May, with about 400,000 new cases added every day, but the number of new infections reported on Monday fell to 70,421, which is the lowest single-day increase since March 31.

Statistics show that the death toll has increased by 3,921.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, India’s number of COVID-19 infections is second only to the United States, ranking second in the world, with 29.51 million cases and 374,305 deaths.

The Delhi authorities allowed all shops and shopping malls to reopen, but bars, gyms, salons, cinemas and parks remained closed.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that he will pay close attention to markets and restaurants this week.

“If we see an increase in coronavirus cases, we will have to re-impose strict restrictions,” Kejriwal said in a televised speech on Sunday.

Because of the surge in infections, Delhi’s hospitals have been working hard to provide patients with oxygen cylinders and beds last month, but earlier this month, the city allowed companies to recall 50% of their employees and partially restored public transportation.

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, known for its automobile manufacturing, some companies were allowed to bring back 50% of their employees, and salons and liquor stores were reopened. The bus service has been suspended until June 21.

In the neighboring Karnataka state capital and main technology center Bangalore, although strict night and weekend curfews still exist, the authorities have allowed some businesses to reopen and traffic has restored the streets.

As millions of people rely on daily wages to pay for food and rent, there is increasing pressure to resume some economic activities.

Rajeb Dasgupta, head of the Social Medicine and Community Health Center of Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, said: “India needs to reopen because the challenge of maintaining a good balance between life and livelihood is critical. .”