FACING a steep spike in Covid19 cases, the Delhi government Monday announced a six-day lockdown in Delhi from 10 pm tonight to 5 am next Monday.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the lockdown was necessary as rising Covid cases had severely strained the city's resources and its health system was at a tipping point.
"Delhi's health system is at a breaking point. I will not say it has collapsed but the Covid situation is pretty critical," Arvind Kejriwal said while announcing the lockdown.
Delhi is the worst-hit city in India with 25,500 fresh cases on Sunday and almost one-third of those tested returning positive. In the last 24 hours, the number of cases remains high despite a dip — 23,500.
Essential facilities in Delhi such as groceries, dairies, shops selling fruits and vegetables, bakeries, and confectionaries will remain open. However, these establishments will be required to ensure Covid-19 appropriate behaviour in their premises.
Police, civil defence, prisons, home guards, fire and emergency services personnel will be able to carry out their duties during the lockdown. They will, however, need to produce valid identity cards.
Judicial officials, judges, advocates, and lawyers, of the Delhi High Court as well as the district courts, can continue their services on the production of valid ID cards, photo entry passes, or permission letters issued by the court administration.
Additionally, emergency medical and healthcare-related facilities, such as private hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, medicinal clinics, testing laboratories, pharmacies, medical oxygen suppliers and other associated services will remain functional with valid identity cards on display.
Medical and health-related services such as the supply of medical instruments and consumables, sanitation and security will also remain open. Doctors, nurses, paramedical staff of private clinics will be allowed to carry on with their duties.
Banks, insurance offices, ATMs, print and electronic media, telecommunication internet, broadcasting, IT and cable-related services will be allowed to function. E-commerce delivery services will be allowed, on condition of adherence to proper protocol.
Public transport facilities, such as Delhi Metro and public buses will be allowed with 50% seating capacity. Autos, e-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs can carry can up to a maximum of 2 passengers. Maxi cab and RTVs can carry up to five and 11 passengers, respectively. No standing passenger will be allowed, as per the protocols prescribed by the Delhi government.
Religious places will be permitted to open but no visitors will be allowed.
During the curfew, the movement of persons for marriage-related gatherings up to 50 persons and funeral last rites related gatherings up to 20 people will be allowed.