Lockdown imposed in Indian capital till month-end to check COVID-19 spread

A lockdown has been declared in the Indian capital from Monday till March 31 in a bid to curb the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Announcing the decision on Sunday evening, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the lockdown had been decided as a precautionary measure, as three new deaths were reported from across the country on Sunday alone, and the number of positive cases reached 391.

So far, seven people have died of COVID-19 in India.

Addressing a press conference, the chief minister said all transportation facilities would be minimal, and would be made available only for those who were a part of emergency or essential services.

"Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. No public transport service will be allowed, including private buses, taxis, auto-rickshaw, and e-rickshaw. Only 25 percent of the total number of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses will be operative for essential services," said Kejriwal.

According to him, there were 27 confirmed cases in Delhi, out of which six cases were of "community transmission" while the rest 21 cases had a travel history abroad.

Strict actions will be taken against anyone violating the order, the chief minister said, adding that inter-state borders with the neighboring states, like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, would be sealed for the next nine days and only the vehicles catering to essential services and supplies would be allowed to enter the Indian capital city.

All essential and emergency services like fire stations, electricity departments, municipal services and magisterial services will be open for the public.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)