Updated: November 17, 2020 5:10:49 pm
The markets of Delhi have seen large crowds, with little social distancing. (Express photo: Praveen Khanna)
With the increase in Covid-19 cases in Delhi, the government wants to withdraw the relaxation granted for wedding gatherings and restrict the number of guests to 50, from the 200 allowed since November 1.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the decision made by the government has been sent to the Lieutenant Governor for approval.
The government has also written to the Center to allow local lockdowns in markets that may emerge as Covid hotspots.
“Following the central government guidelines and considering the wedding season, the Delhi government allowed 200 guests at the wedding functions. Previously this number was 50 … considering the recent increase in the number of Corona cases, the Delhi government has decided to withdraw this relaxation. I have sent the proposal to the Deputy Governor of Delhi for approval, ”Kejriwal said in a web address on Tuesday.
The positivity rate in Delhi has been consistently above 11 percent for the past two weeks, crossing 15 percent on some days. This had dropped to 6 percent in September. Experts were expecting the sharp increase, taking into account the festival season.
Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Monday that the third wave of cases is coming to an end in the city, a statement he repeated on Tuesday.
Over the past three days, there has been an average of about 3,100 new cases per day, but this is because the number of tests has dropped from around 58,000 per day to around 25,000 per day due to Diwali, Bhai Dooj and the weekend. Tests have been lowest across the country on Sundays.
Of the 225 traders tested in the Tilak Nagar, Raghubir Nagar and Jail Road markets, 41 tested positive last week. Only RT-PCR tests were used, authorities said.
Kejriwal said the government has asked the Center for permission to modify the guidelines to close markets if necessary.
“We witnessed massive crowds at some of the popular markets in Delhi before Diwali. No social distancing was followed and because of this, the number of Covid cases has increased significantly. In the latest order approved by the Center, it was noted that the state government cannot impose any blockade without permission. We have asked them to allow us to close the markets if necessary.
I think such harsh measures will not be required, but if a market has become a Corona hotspot, we will have to impose a local lockdown on those areas as a precaution. I have already submitted this proposal to the Lieutenant Governor for approval, ”Kejriwal said.
Minister of interior Amit Shah had held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the Covid situation in the city, where Kejriwal was also present.
On Tuesday, he thanked the Center for helping Delh.
“The central government has secured 750 ICU beds to Delhi. This has been a crucial decision that will help citizens. In assessing the situation in Delhi, I found that there is a shortage of beds in private hospitals, ”Kejriwal said.
He also called on people to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
“Some people believe that Corona will not affect them, which is a mistake. This disease does not affect people according to whether they are rich or poor. Covid-19 can happen to anyone, ”said the CM.
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