New Delhi: Amid the Coronavirus outbreak in the country, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Friday announced that all markets in the national capital will remain close for three days, starting from today (Saturday) March 21. However, essential good providers including chemists, dairy and general consumer items will remain open during this time.

"In the wake of rapidly growing threat of Coronavirus, prominent trade leaders of different parts of Delhi decided to close business establishments in Delhi for next three days beginning tomorrow (Saturday) to prevent community transmission of Coronavirus," news agency IANS quoted CAIT General Secretary Praveen Khandelwal as saying.

"In view of the prevailing situation, we are closing down all Malls (except grocery, pharmacy and vegetable shops in them). The government has also closed all non-essential services in Delhi in view of the growing number of coronavirus cases in the region," said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

According to reports, the traders' association will review the situation on evening of March 23 and will decide their future action.

"The CAIT has exempted chemist shops, dairy and general consumables from the shut down for the convenience of citizens for procuring their daily requirements," the notification read.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Thursday rose to 20, according to the Delhi Health Department. These cases include four people from outside the city -- two from Kolkata and one each from Punjab and Rajasthan.

By Thursday night, the number of cases of the deadly virus in Delhi stood at 14. Out of the total 20 cases, four have been discharged and one had died earlier, and one has migrated out of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, reviewed the current situation and preparedness for COVID-19 with chief ministers of various states, through a video conference, the Delhi Health Department said in a statement on Friday.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also chaired a meeting with medical directors and medical superintendents of city government hospitals to review their preparedness.

General public is advised to remain at home, particularly senior citizens, person affected with hypertension, diabetes, respiratory diseases, pregnant women, cardiac patients taking steroid and children, the statement said.

(With PTI Inputs)