Faced with a surge in new Covid-19 cases, the national Capital Delhi will go in for a six-day lockdown from 10 pm tonight to 5 am on Monday next (April 26), Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference post his meeting with Lt Governor Anil Baijal, the Delhi Chief Minister urged migrant labourers and daily wagers to stay in Delhi during this lockdown and not return to their villages and hometowns given that this is only a short period lockdown.

“You (migrant labourers and daily wagers) will unnecessarily waste money and energy in going and coming back to Delhi. I am very hopeful that this lockdown won’t be extended and remain a short one. Government will take care of you and your needs in this period,” Kejriwal said.

These six days will be used to expedite expansion of bed facilities, improve availability of medicines and oxygen, he said.

Curfew to be imposed

Meanwhile, an order issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) later said there will be a curfew on movement of individuals (except for exemptions given) in the territory of NCT of Delhi with effect from 10 pm tonight to 5 am on Monday next.

All private offices/ establishments, shops, shopping centres, malls, weekly markets, manufacturing units, educational and coaching institutes, cinema and theatres, restaurants and bars, auditoriums/ assembly halls, entertainment/ amusement/ water parks, public parks and gardens, sports complexes, gyms, spas, barber shops, saloons, beauty parlours, swimming pools (except those being used by sportspersons to train for participation in national and international events), construction activities (except where labourers are residing on site), among others, shall remain closed during the curfew.

All social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious/ festival related and other gatherings and congregations would be prohibited.

Public transport such as Delhi Metro (up to 50 per cent seating capacity)/ public buses (up to 50 per cent seating capacity)/ autos and E-Rickshaws (up to 2 passengers)/ taxis, cabs, Gramin Seva and phat phat Seva (up to 2 passengers)/ maxi cab up to 5 passengers)/ RTV (up to 11 passengers) would be allowed to function within the stipulated time for the transportation of certain allowed people.

All government officials, judicial officers, private medical personnel such as doctors, nursing staff, paramedical and other hospital services staff will be allowed on production of valid ID cards. Also, persons coming from/ going to airports/ railway stations/ ISBT's will be allowed to travel on production of valid tickets. Electronic and print media will also be allowed on production of valid ID cards.

Persons/ students would be allowed to appear in examinations on production of valid admit cards. Examination staff deployed for exam duties would be allowed to travel on production of valid ID cards.

There would be no restriction on interstate and intrastate movement/ transportation of essential goods. No separate permission/E pass will be required for such movements, the DDMA order said.

Movement of persons related to commercial and private establishments/ offices providing services/ commodities such as shops dealing with food, groceries, fruit and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, pharmaceuticals, opticians, medicines and medical equipment, newspaper distribution will be allowed. Delivery of all essential goods, including food, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment ordered online will be allowed.

 

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