+

Kejriwal extends lockdown in Delhi till 17 May, metro services suspended

In an effort to curb the rising Covid-19 cases, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday extended the lockdown in the national capital for another week till 17 May. Delhi Metro services too have been suspended from Monday, the Chief Minister informed. Delhi has been under a lockdown since 20 April. “I have spoken to […]

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

In an effort to curb the rising Covid-19 cases, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday extended the lockdown in the national capital for another week till 17 May. Delhi Metro services too have been suspended from Monday, the Chief Minister informed.

Delhi has been under a lockdown since 20 April.

“I have spoken to traders, women, youth and many others over the past few days. Everyone believes that while cases have come down, they are not at the level where the lockdown can be lifted otherwise what we have gained will be lost. So, the lockdown is being extended for another week. This time, it will be a little stricter and the Metro will not operate,” Kejriwal said. Addressing a press conference on Sunday, the Delhi CM said, “In the last 2-3 days, the positivity rate has come down to 23 per cent from 35 per cent.”

He said that the administration has used the lockdown period to boost Delhi’s medical infrastructure and to increase oxygen beds at various locations. “People of Delhi have supported the lockdown and they have looked out for themselves and for each other. We used this lockdown period to increase oxygen beds. Oxygen availability is the biggest issue this time around. Many times more than in the normal was required. Now, the status in Delhi is improving and we are not getting as many SOS calls as we were earlier,” he said. So far, Metro services were running at 50% capacity and at 30-minute intervals during the morning and evening peak hours. At other times, the interval between trains was an hour. Standing passengers were not allowed.

Informing about the third phase of the vaccination drive in the national capital, Kejriwal said, “We’ve made excellent arrangements at our schools. Youngsters are participating in large numbers. We have a shortage of vaccines but I hope the Central government will help us.”

As per the latest guideline, marriages have only been permitted in court or at home with a maximum of 20 peoples’ participation.

According to Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, the restrictions on the movement of individuals in the capital city will remain in place till 5 am on May 17. Possession of e-pass for movement in the national capital for essential services remains in place.

According to the Delhi Health bulletin released on Saturday, Delhi recorded 17,364 fresh Covid cases and 332 deaths over the last 24 hours. Delhi’s cumulative caseload has reached 13,10,231 including 87,907 active cases and 19,071 related deaths. Delhi recorded a positivity rate of 23.34 per cent and case fatality rate of 1.46 per cent.

Meanwhile, Haryana too extended its statewide lockdown till 17 May, introducing stricter curbs. In the fourth such extension so far in the past few days, the Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday decided to extend the partial lockdown till 7 am on 17 May. Jammu and Kashmir too on Sunday announced an extension of curfew in all 20 districts till 7 am on 17 May.

Tags:

Featured