Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today announced a weekend curfew owing to the surging Covid cases in last few days in the national capital. "We need to do something urgently to control the spike in Covid cases. For this, we have taken a decision that there will be a weekend curfew in Delhi. However, let me make it clear, that essential services and those - whose marriage dates and venues are fixed - will be issued special passes," said the Chief Minister.
As of now, all spas, auditoriums, malls have been asked to stay shut from Friday evening till further orders.
"No dine-in options will be allowed in restaurants and eateries. only home deliveries will be permitted. Cinema halls can operate with only 30% occupancy," said Kejriwal.
Delhi on Thursday reported 17,282 fresh cases, the highest single-day spike the national Capital has seen so far. The number of daily Covid deaths has also been increasing, with 104 deaths recorded on Wednesday alone.
Meanwhile, the Kerala state government has issued new sterner restrictions in the wake of the surge in Covid cases. The decision was taken during a high-level emergency meeting convened by the Chief Minister.
The number of people attending public events has once again been restricted. Those visiting shopping malls will either need to carry Covid negative certificates or have taken both the doses of vaccine. As there is current shortage in vaccines available in the state, the Mega vaccination camp will be expanded once the vaccine is available. The government also plans to set up more beds in the intensive care units of the hospitals in the state. District collections have been permission to declare section 144 if needed. There will restrictions in public spaces. A decision to increase the number of daily Covid tests in the State has also been made. Around 2.5 lakh tests will be held by Saturday.
Today, the Thiruvananthapuram administration marked the containment zones in the district. The district administration listed out several containment zones including Kuravankonam, Nemom, Pappanamcode, Attukal and Thuruthy among other areas. Only essential activities will be allowed inside the zones such as shops selling groceries, medicines, food items, and essential government services including police, health, revenue, LSG (Local Self Government), water, electricity, and other central and state government establishments. The wards adjoining containment zones will also be treated as areas which need special attention in terms of public health service.
In a bid to control the spread of the virus, the state government had announced yesterday, Covid restrictions, which would remain in place till April 30. The state government has capped the number of guests for public events and also restricted its timings. Shops have to close by 9 pm and doorstep delivery of products will be promoted.
Kerala reported 8778 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. Among the districts recording the greatest number of cases are Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Kottayam.
