Delhi Lockdown: Kejriwal Appeals To Migrant Workers Not To Leave City, Says 'Main Hoon Na'

On Monday, Kejriwal said that to prevent Delhi's health system from collapsing, the govt has taken strict measure and Delhi will go under a complete 6-day lockdown starting from tonight till Monday 5 AM, 26th April. 

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New Delhi: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has appealed to migrant workers not to leave the city while reassuring them that the lockdown will not be extended further and that the government will take care of them.

#WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal appeals to the migrant labourers. He says, "I appeal to you with folded hands. It's a small lockdown, only for 6 days. Don't leave Delhi & go. I'm very hopeful that we won't need to further extend the lockdown...Govt will take care of you." pic.twitter.com/OsFCytHCNu

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2021

Delhi CM expressed that the lockdown was the last resort, as he knows that lockdown can bring people's income to a screeching halt. Appealing to the migrant workers not leave he said 'main hoon na, mujh par bharosa rakhiye' (I am here for you, have faith in me). He further added, that he believes this lockdown will remain short and as soon as people of Delhi join the fight by following the guidelines the quicker they'll be relieved of this situation.  

On Monday, Kejriwal said that to prevent Delhi's health system from collapsing, the govt has taken strict measure and Delhi will go under a complete 6-day lockdown starting from tonight till Monday 5 AM, 26th April. 

Delhi has seen unprecedented Covid case numbers in the second wave, putting a major strain in the medical facilities and supplies available. CM Kejriwal said, the positivity rate has increased and there is a shortage of beds in the national capital. He added less than 100 ICU beds are available in hospitals in the capital.

Migrant workers are moving back to their home towns in large numbers ever since restrictions were imposed in different parts of the country. Fearing that they will be left to fend for themselves without and job or security like in the 2020 lockdown they have decided to move back early. Many state government is trying to reassure them that it wouldn't be like the last time.

The Uttar Pradesh government has set up centres in 56 districts where migrant workers are first tested and then those who have no facility to quarantine at home, will be kept in these centres for two weeks. Similarly, the government has also ramped up surveillance at airports, railway stations and bus stops. Those with symptoms are being tested while others are being asked to quarantine at home.