New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday evening announced that Delhi will be under lockdown from Monday 0600 hrs till March 31, in view of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak.
Addressing a joint press conference, along with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Mr Kejriwal said the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an extraordinary situation and calls for extraordinary measures.
The Chief Minister said during this period, borders of Delhi will be sealed and no public transport services, including operation of private buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, rickshaws and e-rickshaws, will be permitted in the national capital.
He said only DTC buses will operate at not more than 25 per cent capacity, to cater to personnel engaged in essential services. The Chief Minister said certain exceptions have been made, to ensure essential items are available for purchase and basic services continue to operate.
According to Mr Kejriwal, dairies, grocery shops, chemists and petrol pumps will remain open during this period.
He said all religious places of any denomination will be closed, adding that black marketing of sanitisers and masks will not be tolerated.
”You cannot loot people in this hour of distress. Strict action will be taken against such people,” he warned.
The Chief Minister further said that there will be compulsory paid leave for all employees of private sector, including both permanent and contractuals and all private establishment will have to pay full salaries to employees during the lockdown.
