Delhi Govt To Seal 20 Coronavirus Hotspots; Makes Masks Compulsory While Stepping Out

Coronavirus positive cases rose to 576 in the national capital with 51 fresh cases and two deaths being reported in last 24 hours.

Strict action will be taken against those found not wearing masks and moving outside their houses. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: Soon after Uttar Pradesh government decided to seal Coronavirus hotspots in 15 districts of the state, Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government too followed the suit and announced closure of as many as 20 hotspots in the national capital on Wednesday. During a daily press conference, Delhi Chief Minister also announced that wearing face masks has been made mandatory for those moving out of there houses across the national capital. "Wearing of facial masks can reduce the spread of #Coronavirus substantially. Therefore, it has been decided that facial masks will be compulsory for anyone stepping out of their house. Cloth mask shall be eligible too," Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said. 

Wearing of facial masks can reduce the spread of corona virus substantially. Therefore, it has been decided that facial masks will be compulsory for anyone stepping out of their house. Cloth mask shall be eligible too.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 8, 2020

While speaking to media, deputy CM Manish Sisodia said that the government has identified as many as 20 Coronavirus hotspot in Delhi and all such areas will be sealed completely. "Some positive cases have been reported in Sadar area so the area has been sealed. Total 20 hot spots have been identified in Delhi, nobody will be allowed to enter or exit from these areas," Sisodia said. Sisodia also said that strict action will be taken against those found not wearing masks and moving outside their houses. However, there were no immediate clarification as to when this sealing period will end.

Total 20 corona hotspots have been identified in #Delhi, nobody will be allowed to enter or exit from these areas: @msisodia pic.twitter.com/RpTTKTjNai

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) April 8, 2020

Even the list of the 20 hotspots in Delhi was not shared by the Delhi government instantly. Breakdown of Covid-19 hotspots in Delhi is still awaited. Delhi comes third in the list of state severely hit by Coronavirus outbreak after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. According to the last update given by Delhi Health Department, the positive cases rose to 576 in the national capital with 51 fresh cases and two deaths being reported in last 24 hours. Overall death count has surged to 9 in the national capital, while 6 people have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. To fight the increasing cases of novel coronavirus in the city, the Delhi government on Tuesday announced a 'five T plan' -- testing, tracing, treatment, team work, and tracking and monitoring. ALSO WATCH | Manish Sisodia: 20 Covid-19 Hotspots To Be Sealed In Delhi peaking to the media, Kejriwal said along with these steps, the government is well prepared in dealing with up to 30,000 active cases in the city.  Explaining each T, he said corona test will be the first step, under which the government will go for mass random tests. "We will have 8,000 beds in hospitals, 12,000 hotel rooms and 10,000 rooms at banquet halls and guesthouses.... The most serious -- those already suffering from other disease and above the age of 50 --- will be kept in hospitals while others will be accomodated elsewhere," the Chief Minister had said, adding the rooms outside the hospitals will also have all medical facilities.