Delhi schools, cinemas shut till March 31
The Delhi government on Thursday declared Covid19 an epidemic and shut all cinema halls, schools, and colleges — except those where exams are on — till March 31.
The government also made it compulsory to disinfect all public places, including government and private offices and shopping malls, every day in the national capital. The number of cases, which have tested positive, has gone up to six with the latest case being reported from West Delhi.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting attended by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, L-G Anil Baijal, and top government officials. After the meeting, the chief minister said the Delhi government was making arrangements for quarantine facilities at vacant flats owned by Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board and under-construction hospitals.
Mr Kejriwal said: “All cinema halls will remain shut till March 31. Also, all schools and colleges, except those where exams are being held, will remain shut till March 31 due to coronavirus. The government has declared coronavirus an epidemic.”
He said that his government is fully prepared to deal with Covid-19, asserting that more than 500 beds in hospitals are ready to admit coronavirus patients, if needed. He said that measures taken so far to tackle coronavirus were also reviewed in the meeting.
Mr Kejriwal said: “Whatever we are doing is to deal with coronavirus. I hope that all will support us. In the entire world, coronavirus is rapidly spreading. But in India, we all have so far been able to contain it. If we are cautious, we can save our country from coronavirus.”
After the meeting, Mr Baijal tweeted, “Reviewed preparedness to contain
COVID-19 in Delhi with Hon’ble CM @ArvindKejriwal, Hon’ble Health Minister @SatyendarJain, CS, Delhi & other officers. Decision taken to close schools, colleges, cinema halls, etc. for some time to minimise the possibility of spread (sic).”
The latest case in Delhi is of the mother of a 46year-old man, who had earlier tested positive for the coronavirus. The 69year-old woman has now herself been detected with the virus, making her the sixth patient in the national capital.
The patient is admitted to RML Hospital. Her son has a history of travel to Japan, Geneva, and Italy. Eight other members of their family were found to be asymptomatic.
The traffic police has also issued instructions regarding coronavirus for the safety of its personnel and motorists.
“The Delhi traffic police personnel have been provided extra masks, straws, and hand gloves. They have been asked to wash their hands if possible or use gloves. They have been instructed not to interact without mask, especially during alcometer test,” said joint commissioner of police (Traffic) N.S. Bundela.