Coronavirus Outbreak: Will Lockdown Delhi If Required, Says Kejriwal; Bans Gathering Of More Than 5 People

Addressing an online press conference, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also urged people of Delhi to discontinue their morning walks for sometime and stay at home as much as possible in the wake of Coronavirus outbreak.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had urged people to not panic and take preventive measures. (Image: AFP)

New Delhi: In the view of a significant spurt of Coronavirus cases across the country and spread in outbreak in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced a ban on gathering or more than five people in the capital city. Earlier, gathering was restricted to 20 people. Addressing an online press conference, Kejriwal also urged people of Delhi to discontinue their morning walks for sometime and stay at home as much as possible. "We are not doing a lockdown the city currently, but we might in future, if necessary, for your betterment and safety," Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener said. "Five or more people cannot gather at any place in Delhi. If there are five people, they should maintain at least one-metre distance from each other," he said.

Steps taken by @ArvindKejriwal's Delhi Govt to provide relief to the people of Delhi amidst the #Coronavirus crisis.#DelhiFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/F9mDq1YABq

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 21, 2020

Extending support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for Janta Curfew on Sunday, Kejriwal also said that 50 per cent Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses won't ply on Delhi roads on March 22. Besides this, Kejriwal also said that Delhi government has decided to double pensions for widows, senior citizens and differently-abled for the month of April. Delhi CM also said that his government will provide food in night shelters free of cost during the Covid-19 pandemic. Further speaking about the measures taken by Delhi government, Kejriwa said that AAP is extremely concerned about daily wagers, labourers amid Coronavirus crisis and his party would not let anyone to sleep on an empty stomach.

My sincere appeal to all senior citizens Please, please stay indoors as far as possible. As the most vulnerable group, we need to take special care so that you remain free from infection. I urge you to skip your morning/evening walks for the time being.#DelhiFightsCorona

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 21, 2020

"72 lakh people in Delhi will get ration from fair price shops. Ration per person has been increased by 50 per cent and will be provided for free," Kejriwal added. Delhi government on Saturday also informed that a total of 10,464 passengers are under home quarantine as on Friday, while 222 passengers are under quarantine at government facilities in the city. The total number of positive cases in Delhi also jumped to 20 with one reported death, according to a bulletin from Directorate of Health Services.

Major Announcement by CM @ArvindKejriwal in view of #coronavirus outbreak. ✅ Free ration with 50% extra grains to 18 lakh poor families. ✅ Pension for elderly, widows, specially-abled being doubled. ✅ For the homeless, lunch & dinner will be available in all night shelters pic.twitter.com/C6EAqKf5xH

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 21, 2020

Four patients have been cured in Delhi till Friday, it said. "Till date, 2,01,639 passengers from COVID-19 affected countries have been screened at the Delhi Airport and placed under surveillance. 5,439 passengers from affected countries were screened on Friday," added. Earlier this week, Kejriwal had urged people to not panic and take preventive measures. He said stamping will be done on those who were asked to stay in quarantine, "after cases were found that people are not following orders strictly."

CM Arvind Kejriwal announces free ration to over 18 lakh families who are dependent on Delhi Govt’s ration scheme. Each person will now get 7.5kg ration instead of 5kg that they usually get : Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal#DelhiFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/IGOsJ2i9LG

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 21, 2020

Kejriwal has also directed heads of all Delhi government departments to discontinue non-essential public services till March 31. At the same time, all employees of non-essential services have been allowed to work from home, Kejriwal told the officials on Friday. Kejriwal also convened a meeting with all medical superintendents of Delhi government hospitals to prepare for the Coronavirus crisis in the city and directed them to prepare in advance to handle positive cases.