Will lock down Delhi if required: Kejriwal amid coronavirus scare
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday banned gatherings of five or more people across the national capital in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Kejriwal made the announcement in a digital-only media briefing, where he fell short of putting the city on lockdown. However, the CM said that, if required, he will lock down Delhi. Here's more on what he said.
Public gatherings over 5 people prohibited
Kejriwal said that social, religious and political gatherings of more than five people have been prohibited, and asked people to maintain a distance of at least 1 meter between them. Earlier, gatherings of more than 20 people were barred in the city. The CM also advised senior citizens, the "most vulnerable group," against taking morning or evening walks.
50% buses to ply on Delhi roads during 'Janata Curfew'
On Sunday, during the nationwide 'Janata Curfew', Kejriwal said 50% buses would continue to ply on Delhi roads. He said this decision has been taken to allow travel in cases of emergency. The 'Janata Curfew' was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and will last from 7 am to 9 pm to limit the spread of the disease.
GST waived for those quarantined at paid facilities
For people who have been quarantined at the three luxury hotels in Aerocity—Lemon Tree, Red Fox, IBIS—at a rate of Rs. 3,100 per day (excluding taxes), the government has waived GST to make it more affordable.
Ration made free; quantity increased by 50%
Kejriwal said free ration will be provided to 72 lakh beneficiaries in Delhi. The ration will also be 50% more in quantity and will be made available from March 31. He asked people to not crowd ration shops in panic, assuring there will be no scarcity. The government will also pay pension worth Rs. 4,000-5,000 per month to 8.5 lakh beneficiaries by April 7.
Double pension for widows, disabled persons and elderly
Kejriwal also said that the government has doubled the pension for widows, disabled persons and the elderly for the month of April. For homeless people, the government will make provisions for lunch and dinner for free at night shelters in the city.
Delhi reports 26 coronavirus cases; 1 death
Delhi has reported a total of 26 coronavirus cases, including one foreigner. Kejriwal said four of the total cases involve a local transmission of the disease, while the rest are people who were infected elsewhere. Across India, 283 cases have been reported. Five people have also died in India—one each in Kalaburagi, Delhi, Mumbai, and Pathlawa village (Punjab), and one Italian tourist in Jaipur.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city in December 2019. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death. COVID-19 has spread to at least 150 countries, killing over 10,000 and sickening 2.5 lakh.
