The Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain confirms that there will be no lockdown in the national capital, but that local restrictions will be imposed in certain busy places. The Health Minister said, “There will be no lockdown in Delhi, and there is no need for it either. We have learned the experience of lockdown.” The decision comes after a record spike in Covid-19 cases in Delhi.
However, the Health Minister said, “But there can be local restrictions at some busy places. Maximum tests are being conducted, which we will further increase.” He added, “the virus can easily spread due to large gatherings during Chhath Puja, hence the restrictions.”
Earlier, the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sent a fresh proposal seeking permission from the Centre to impose another lockdown across the market areas, where norms are violated since Delhi tops the country’s Covid-19 tally. While addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said, “Will send a proposal to the central government for permission to close markets that have the potential of becoming Covid-19 hotspots.”
In this regard, the Delhi government has sent a proposal to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to tighten its decision allowing the gathering of 200 people in marriage ceremonies to the number of 50 now. He even stressed that the Delhi and Central government are making “double efforts” to control the pandemic in the National capital.
On Sunday, New Delhi recorded 7,745 new Coronavirus cases, which marked the highest single-day spike till date and highest in the country for a second time in three days. Since October 28, Delhi had observed an outburst in the number of Covid-19 cases when the daily rise crossed the 5,000 mark for the first time and reached the 8,000 mark on Wednesday.
The government blames people’s indifference in adhering to social distancing norms and the festive season for worsening the situation in New Delhi. However, the situation is bleak in both government and private hospitals in the National capital.
Nearly 104 Coronavirus-related deaths alone were recorded in New Delhi on Thursday.
