Delhi shuts borders for a week, only essential services allowed

In view of the exponential rise in COVID-19 cases, the Delhi government on Monday (June 1), temporarily sealed its borders for a week, prohibiting all movement except that of essential service providers.

Making the announcement on the first day of the Centre’s fifth instalment of the nationwide lockdown, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the decision has been taken to allow hospitals and medical facilities in the national capital to get time to handle the increase in COVID-19 cases.

“Delhi borders are to be sealed for the next week. Essential services are exempted. We will take a decision again in one week to open borders after seeking suggestions from citizens,” Kejriwal said in a video statement.

“With borders opening up but Corona cases rising, can Delhi open its hospitals for treatment of ppl from across the country? Will it put pressure on capacity to handle Corona? Should Delhi’s hospitals be reserved for Delhi residents?- We seek ur suggestions,” the chief minister tweeted.

He said the suggestions could be mailed at delhicm.suggestions@gmail.com, or sent through WhatsApp (8800007722) or by dialling 1031 till 5 pm of Friday.

Kejriwal said the beds for COVID-19 patients have been increased from an earlier 4,500 to 6,600 to 9,500, assuring people that “there will be a bed if you or someone in your family is infected.”

The number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi has crossed the 20,000-mark. The national capital on Sunday recorded as many as 1,000 infections in a single-day spike.