COVID-19: Delhi to be locked down from 6 am on Monday till March 31

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday (March 22) announced the national capital will be locked down from 6 am on March 23 in view of the growing coronavirus threat.

Addressing a joint press conference with Lt Governor Anil Baijal, Kejriwal said the lockdown will continue till 12 midnight on March 31.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused an extraordinary situation and calls for extraordinary measures. Sharing an important announcement towards containing the spread of the virus. #DelhiFightsCorona https://t.co/dWs0S30C9O

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 22, 2020

During the lockdown, no public transport will operate and Delhi’s borders will be sealed but essential services related to health, food, water and power supply will continue, he said.

Dairies, grocery shops, chemists and petrol pumps will remain open and persons associated with essential services will be allowed to go to their destinations during the lockdown, the chief minister said.

“We know people will face difficulties, but lockdown is necessary to contain the spread of coronavirus,” said Kejriwal. He also said six of the total cases reported in Delhi were locally transmitted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Related news: IIT Delhi researchers develop affordable tests for COVID-19elhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday (March 22) announced the national capital will be locked down from 6 am on March 23 in view of the growing coronavirus threat.