Kejriwal seeks power from Centre to impose lockdown in markets which may emerge as COVID hotspots

New Delhi: Delhi has sought the Centre’s permission to shut down markets which may emerge as Covid-19 hotspots and curtail the number of guests at wedding functions to 50 from 200 to combat a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the capital.
The Delhi government has sent the proposals to lieutenant governor Anil Baijal, who heads the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, said chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. “Following the central government’s guidelines and considering the marriage season, the Delhi government earlier allowed 200 guests at marriage functions. Considering the recent spike in the number of Corona cases, the Delhi government has decided to withdraw this relaxation,” Kejriwal said in an online media briefing on Tuesday. “Only 50 people will be allowed in marriage ceremonies considering the spike in the number of Covid cases in Delhi. I have sent the proposal to the lieutenant governor of Delhi in this regard for his approval.”

Further, the CM said massive crowds were witnessed in some of the markets before Diwali. “In these markets, no social distancing was followed and due to this situation, the number of Covid-19 cases has surged significantly in the capital,” he said. “In the last order passed by the Centre, it was noted that the permission to impose local lockdowns in the state should be taken from the Centre. In view of the recent situation and considering the last order of the central government, we have requested the Centre to permit shutting down marketplaces, if necessary.”

Kejriwal said while he believed “such harsh measures” would not be required, “if any marketplace has become a Corona hotspot due to people not following guidelines such as wearing masks, we would have to impose a local lockdown in those areas as a precautionary measure”.

Delhi has seen a surge in coronavirus cases since October 28, when the number of daily cases breached the 5,000-mark for the first time, and the daily rise crossed the 8,000-mark on November 11. Delhi has recorded 101,070 coronavirus cases since the beginning of November, according to health department data.

The Union health ministry has formed 10 teams, which include experts on hospital administration and community health, to visit major hospitals in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and take stock of bed availability and other issues. “The teams would be visiting hospitals over the next two days and guiding hospitals on various issues including bed management,” said Niti Aayog member (health) VK Paul.