Delhi placed under lockdown for a week; no option, says Kejriwal

Delhi placed under lockdown for a week; no option, says Kejriwal

‘Health Infra May Collapse Otherwise’

AlokKNMishra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:20.04.2021

A beleaguered Delhi government has imposed a week-long lockdown in the city from 10 pm onwards on Monday till 5 am on April 26 to arrest the alarming rise in Covid cases. The surge has left the healthcare infrastructure stretched to its limits and caused acute shortage of oxygen. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal warned that if strict measures were not taken now, the healthcare system could collapse.

All non-essential movement, including that of domestic helps, has been prohibited. Public parks, malls, markets, liquor shops, barber shops, saloons, beauty parlours, cinemas, non-essential private offices, etc. will remain shut with the aim to break the chain of coronavirus transmission.

Migrants climb into buses to leave New Delhi on Monday

Travel agents appeal to keep offices shut in Guj

Due to the steep surge in Covid-19 cases, Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI) – Gujarat has appealed to all travel agents to keep their offices shut till April 30 as a self-awareness measure. Other trade associations, such as jewellery markets in Ratanpole and Manek Chowk, cutlery market, Madhupura, and New Madhupura markets and the grain merchants association also extended their plans for keeping their markets shut over the weekend till the end of April. TNN P3

CAPITAL LOCKDOWN

Delhi public transport to run with restricted capacity

Public transport like the metro, buses, cabs and autorickshaws will be allowed to run with a restricted sitting capacity but they can carry only those people who are exempted from the lockdown.

“If the health system collapses, then I fear we might witness a huge tragedy," said the CM at a press conference after discussing the Covid situation with lieutenant-governor Anil Baijal. Kejriwal said he has always been opposed to such lockdowns but the government was left with no other option.

Soon after the announcement, migrant workers began gathering at Anand Vihar ISBT while many people stormed various liquor shops across the city to stock up. In the melee, Covid-appropriate behaviour went for a toss.

“I understand how people lose their jobs and salaries during lockdowns. This is especially difficult for the economically weaker sections and daily wage labourers. The last time a lockdown was imposed in the entire country, we saw how a large number of migrant workers began returning to their villages. I would like to appeal to them, with folded hands, that this is a short lockdown, for six days. Please do not leave Delhi. You will lose a lot of time, money and energy in travelling. Stay in Delhi. I strongly believe that this short lockdown would not be extended,” said Kejriwal.

Among the exemptions that have been granted is the movement of people for marriage- related gatherings. Up to 50 people will be allowed on producing a soft or hard copy of the wedding card while only up to 20 people will be allowed for funeral-related gatherings. All other social, political and religious gatherings have been banned. Visitors have been barred from religious places which, however, can stay open. Bars and restaurants will remain closed but home delivery is allowed.

The lockdown was announced the day the weekend lockdown ended. Unlike the 2020 lockdown, this short lockdown does not prohibit interstate travel.

People can go to the airport, railway stations and ISBT with avalid ticket and also use public transport services.