CM proposes closing all markets following Capital’s COVID spike

NEW DELHI: After Delhi witnessed more than two weeks of continuously rising air pollution and COVID-19 cases, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has asked permission from the government of India to close all the markets in the city. In an online media briefing, the CM said that since cases were rising in Delhi, they have sent a general proposal to the Centre so that, if required, the state government can shut those markets for a few days where social distancing norms are not being followed and they are on the verge of becoming COVID-19 hotspots,”. He also expressed hope for thinning of crowds in the markets so there is no need to close them.

The Chief Minister also laid to rest the rumors of an upcoming lockdown in Delhi, by saying the COVID-19 cases had already peaked out. He also said that a proposal has been sent to Lieutenant governor’s office for reducing the number of people allowed in a wedding from 200 to 50. He further thanked central government for helping Delhi in “such difficult times”, especially for providing 750 additional ICU beds to Delhi.

He concluded the media briefing by saying, “The state government, Centre and all agencies are making double the effort to control spread of COVID-19 in Delhi for you and your family”. He requested the people to stringently wear masks and follow social distancing norms.