Satyendra Jain Says No Lockdown in Delhi but Restrictions at Few Busy Areas

Ahead of the Chhath Puja celebrations, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Wednesday said that there will be no lockdown but there can be local restrictions at some busy places amid the third wave of Covid-19 infections.

"There will be no lockdown in Delhi and there is no need of it either. We have learned the experience of lockdown. There is no need to repeat it. But there can be local restrictions at some busy places," the Delhi Health Minister said.

Speaking to a news agency, Jain said, "Maximum tests are being conducted, which will further increase. The virus can easily spread due to large gatherings during Chhath Puja, hence the restrictions."

This comes as Delhi on Tuesday recorded 6,396 new cases of coronavirus, taking the infection tally in the national capital to more than 4.95 lakh, while 99 more deaths pushed the toll to 7,812.

These new cases came out of the 49,031 tests conducted on Tuesday, while the positivity rate stood at 13.04% amid the festive season and rising air pollution in the city.

The highest single-day spike till now in Delhi -- 8,593 cases -- was recorded on 11 November when 85 fatalities were



recorded.

'Delhi plans to impose lockdown'

Earlier, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that he will send a proposal to the government to give power to the AAP govt to impose lockdown in markets, which may emerge as Covid-19 hotspots.

"Will send a proposition to the focal government for authorization to close business sectors that have the capability of turning out to be Covid-19 hotspots," said Kejriwal. 

Kejriwal-drove Delhi government has likewise sent a proposition to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to move back its choice to permit the get-together of 200 individuals in wedding functions and confined the number to 50 at this point. 

Kejriwal said that the Delhi govt, Center, and all organizations making 'twofold endeavors' to control the Covid circumstance in the public capital. 

Then, CM Kejriwal has chosen to announce a public occasion on the event of "Chhath Puja" on 20 November.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in a note on 16 November had directed the chief secretary to issue a notification with regard to the public holiday on the occasion of the "important festival" of Chhath Puja.