Delhi CM urges Centre to cancel flights from Singapore over ‘dangerous’ strain
NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday appealed to the Central government to immediately cancel all air services with Singapore, saying a new strain of coronavirus there is said to be “very dangerous” for children.
This new strain of virus could invade India in the form of a third wave, he said in a tweet.
“The new form of coronavirus in Singapore is said to be very dangerous for children. It could reach Delhi in the form of a third wave. My appeal to the Central government: 1.
“Cancel all air services with Singapore with immediate effect 2. Work on vaccine alternatives for children on a priority basis,” Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi.While there is no know Singapore strain of the coronavirus or any known to have originated in the city State, Kejriwal appeared to be referring to a media report on Monday.The report had mentioned the threat posed to Singapore’s children by the variant first detected in India.
Reacting to the media report, Dr V K Paul, member (health), NITI Aayog, on Tuesday said, “We are examining it”.
Earlier this month, the chief minister had said Delhi should prepare for a third wave of COVID-19.
The national capital on Tuesday reported 4,482 Covid-19 cases, the lowest singleday rise since April 5, and 265 fatalities, while the positivity rate dipped to 6.89 per cent.
Delhi had reported 4,524 cases and 340 fatalities on Monday, while the positivity rate was 8.42 per cent.
₹50,000 ex gratia to kin of deceased: Kejriwal
The Delhi government will provide ₹50,000 ex gratia to each family that has lost a member to Covid-19, besides a monthly assistance of ₹2,500 if the deceased was an earning member, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Tuesday.
He also said that the children who have lost both parents, or single parent, due to Covid-19 will also be provided a monthly assistance of ₹2,500 up to the age of 25 years. Also, the government will take care of their education, he said.
All these announcements will be implemented after they are approved by the Delhi Cabinet, he said.
The chief minister also said that all 72 lakh ration card holders in the city will be provided free 10 Kg ration this month.The poor and needy even without ration card will be provided free ration, he added.