Delhi govt to soon issue SOP to allow various activities post May 17

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Thursday submitted a proposal to the Centre on lockdown relaxations post May 17 and suggested opening of markets, shopping complexes and operation of buses and Metro services with strict social distancing norms.

The government has suggested operation of construction activities in the national Capital and that movement of labourers within Delhi be allowed, sources in the government said.

Taxis with two passengers will be allowed, they said, adding that in buses, 20 passengers are likely to be allowed to travel under strict social distancing norms. “The government has suggested that opening of markets, complexes and malls should be allowed in Delhi. However, shops engaged in non-essential items in shopping complexes and malls should be allowed to operate on odd-even basis,” a source said. In next twothree days, the government will come out with a standard operating procedure to allow economic activities from Monday in the national Capital.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that different economic activities will be allowed in the city from May 18 based on decisions taken by the Centre on

lockdown relaxation. Addressing an online media briefing, he said most people suggested that schools, colleges, barber shops, spa, salons, cinema halls and swimming pools should not be opened post May 17, and there should be just limited operation of metro services.

Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws should be allowed to operate in the city but with social-distancing, he said during the online briefing on Thursday.

“The country, including Delhi, has been closed for the last one and a half months due to coronavirus-induced lockdown. It was easy to close, but we have to work very hard to open up the economy. We usually do hard work. The coming times are very difficult,” Kejriwal said.

Later in the day, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday met officials of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority and discussed suggestions received on lifting of coronavirus lockdown post May 17. According to an official source, the DDMA discussed a number of suggestions from the public and listed out the ones to be sent to the Central government. In the meeting, Baijal also reviewed the health preparedness and relief measures to contain COVID-19.