Amid coronavirus scare, Kejriwal bans large gatherings in Delhi
Amid the growing threat of a full-blown coronavirus outbreak in India, large gatherings were banned in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Monday. The CM invoked the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897, imposing a ban on all social, religious and political gatherings of more than 50 people in Delhi. Kejriwal announced several other stringent decrees to prevent the spread of the virus.
Ban on large gatherings extends to protests, says Kejriwal
Effective immediately, all gatherings over 50 have been banned in Delhi, Kejriwal said, adding that the ban would also extend to protests. The order is significant as the city has been witnessing protests against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), including the sit-in demonstration at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh pocket which has continued for over three months.
'If protests continue, appropriate action will be taken'
Hindustan Times quoted him as saying, "If still protesters or other groups continue to gather in large numbers, then appropriate actions under the Epidemic Disease Act will be taken by the area District Magistrates (Deputy Commissioners), SDMs."
Gyms, spas, nightclubs shut; weddings allowed to continue
Kejriwal took a lenient stand towards wedding ceremonies, allowing them to continue. The CM, however, advised people to postpone the ceremonies, if possible. Earlier the city had ordered shut all schools, colleges, swimming pools, and movie theatres till March 31. Now, Delhi has added gyms, nightclubs, weekly bazaars and spas to the list of establishments that will be shut till March 31.
Malls to be disinfected daily, mandates Delhi government
The Delhi government also mandated for all shopping malls across the national capital to be disinfected daily. Malls have also been ordered to make hand sanitizers available at main entrances and in individual shops. Visitors would be allowed entrance into malls only after using sanitizers.
You can view the order here
7 coronavirus cases in Delhi; 1 dead
Thus far, Delhi has reported seven positive cases of the novel coronavirus disease, called COVID-19. Two of those have recovered and have been discharged. But, a 68-year-old woman died from the disease. The woman is only the second person killed in the outbreak in India, after a 76-year-old man in Karnataka's Kalaburagi. India has reported 110 positive cases, including 17 foreigners.
What is the coronavirus?
The current outbreak involves a new strain of coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2. The virus was first reported in China's Wuhan city in mid-December. Ever since, it has spread to over 140 countries around the world. Globally, the disease has infected roughly 1.7 lakh people and killed over 6,500. The virus impacts a host's respiratory system, triggering flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties.
