Delhi Goes Under Lockdown for Six More Days! Read the Complete Guidelines Here

Given the grim coronavirus situation in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a complete lockdown in Delhi for six days. The decision was taken at a meeting held between Lt governor Anil Baijal and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday morning.

“It has been decided to impose a lockdown in Delhi till April 26,” the CM announced while addressing a press conference.

During the curfew, which will remain effective from April 19, 10pm till April 26, 5 am, all private offices will work from home and only government offices and essential services will be allowed to operate. The decision has been taken after the national capital saw the biggest jump in its daily tally with 25,462 fresh cases and a positivity rate of nearly 30 per cent.

Addressing a press conference, the Delhi CM reiterated that there is an acute shortage of oxygen cylinders and Remdesivir and there are almost no beds available in the city for COVID-19 patients. Further he said “the situation of coronavirus is very serious in Delhi and the health system has reached its limit.”

“In the last 24 hours, around 23,500 cases were reported. In last 3-4 days, around 25,000 cases have been reported. Positivity rate and infection have increased. If 25,000 patients come every day then the system will crumble, there's a shortage of beds,” the CM added.

Lockdown in Delhi: What's allowed?

1. Essential services allowed

2. Mariages with capacity of 50 guests, passes will be issued

3. Food services can operate

3. Pregnant women and patients going for medical treatment allowed

4. Students allowed to appear for exam with valid admit card

5. Religious places can open, no visitors allowed

Amid the rapidly increasing cases, CM Kejriwal on April 18 said Delhi is facing an "acute shortage" of oxygen and beds and alleged that the quota of the city has been diverted to other states. Further, he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking help with hospital beds and immediate oxygen supply.

“In the next 6 days, we will make arrangements for more beds in Delhi. We thank the Central government for helping us. The lockdown period will be used to arrange oxygen, medicine. I request everyone to follow the guidelines,” CM Kejriwal said.

Earlier on April 15, the AAP-led Delhi government had announced a weekend curfew to "break the chain of transmission". The CM imposed a weekend curfew in the national capital while announcing that malls, restaurants, gyms and auditoriums will remain shut till further orders. 

While the government can only make the rules and impose lockdowns, it's high time that we as citizens take the pandemic seriously and adhere to the guidelines. Please do not step outside until it is absolutely necessary, practice hygiene and take care of yourself and your loved ones!

How are you spending your days amid coronavirus pandemic? Share your travel experiences with Tripoto community here.