Delhi govt plans to shut down city markets emerging as Covid-19 hotspots

New Delhi: Amid, the spike in Covid-19 cases in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday sought power from the Centre to impose lockdown in those market areas which may emerge as COVID-19 hotspots. Addressing a press conference today CM Kejriwal said that his government will send a proposal in this regard to the Centre.

“Since cases are rising in Delhi, we are sending a general proposal to the Central government, that if required, Delhi Government can implement shutting down those markets for few days, where norms are not being followed and these market places are becoming a local COVID-19 hotspot,” Kejriwal said

Since cases are rising in Delhi, we are sending a general proposal to Central Govt, that if required, Delhi Govt can implement shutting down those markets for few days, where norms are not being followed & they are becoming a local #COVID19 hotspot: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/uCicqhiXGE

— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2020

This comes days after a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases post Diwali. Delhi right now have 40,128 active covid-19 cases. The city has seen 4,41,361 recoveries and 7,713 fatalities due to the pathogen so far, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Tuesday.

Kejriwal also said that the decision to allow 200 people to attend weddings and other functions in Delhi will be withdrawn as of now and a request for the same has been sent for the Lieutenant Governor’s approval.

“When the Covid-19 situation improved in Delhi a few weeks ago, the number of people attending weddings increased to 200, according to the Centre’s guidelines. Now it’s being withdrawn and only 50 people will be allowed to attend such gatherings. The decision has been sent for LG’s approval,” CM said.

When Corona situation improved in Delhi a few weeks ago, number of people attending a wedding was increased to 200, according to Center's guidelines. Now it's being withdrawn & only 50 people will be allowed. The decision has been sent for LG's approval: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal https://t.co/ZH3GgxRLV5 pic.twitter.com/yY35vHYDvQ

— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2020

He further thanked the Central government for immediately providing 750 extra ICU beds for the assistance of COVID-19 patients in the city.

I am thankful to Central govt for helping Delhi people by increasing 750 ICU beds immediately. All govts & agencies have doubled their efforts to control #COVID19 but it can’t be done till people take precautions. I appeal all to wear masks & follow social distancing: Delhi CM https://t.co/ni0pWiqobd pic.twitter.com/N765hATTDe

— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2020

“All government and agencies have doubled their efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic but it can’t be done till people take precautions. I appeal everyone to wear masks and follow social distancing,” he concluded.