Coronavirus outbreak: Lockdown in Delhi from March 23 to 31

Ghaziabad: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced a lockdown in Delhi till March 31 to contain the spread of coronavirus which has affected many countries in the world. While announcing the lockdown, the CM said that there are 27 cases in Delhi. 

The lockdown will be in place from 6 am on March 23 (Monday) till 12 am on March 31. However, he said that people can go out for availing essential services.

“Persons going out for buying food items, clothes, availing bank and postal services will be allowed. They would not be asked for verification,” he said.

Kejriwal appealed people to abide by the rules and support the administration in their efforts to check the coronavirus pandemic.

“All private offices will remain closed but the employees – both permanent and contractual – will be considered to be on-duty. The companies will have to provide them the salary for this duration,” Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal further said, “No public transport services including private buses, autos, e-rickshaws will be allowed during the lockdown period in Delhi. 25 per cent of the DTC bus fleet will continue to operate on roads of Delhi to carry people involved in essential services.” 

“All shops, commercial establishments, factories, workshops, offices, godowns, weekly markets shall close their operations,” the order stated.

The motorable and unmotorable borders of NCT of Delhi with the neighbouring states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh will be sealed.

Construction activities will be closed and all religious places of any denomination will also be closed.

Section 144 was also imposed by the Delhi police from 9 pm on Sunday till March 31. It restricts the gathering of more than 4 people at one place.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had also announced to completely close its operations on all the lines till March 31. “As per the latest decision in the fight against coronavirus, it has been decided that metro services will remain completely closed till March 31, 2020,” DMRC said in a statement.