On Sunday, March 22, 2020, Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of Delhi announced a complete shut down of the national capital in an attempt to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country. The lockdown came into effect this morning at 0600 and will be in force until March 31, 2020.
Kejriwal stated, “All public transports, including the Delhi Metro, autorickshaws, e-rickshaw, will remain suspended during the lockdown.”
“Only DTC buses will operate at not more than 25 per cent capacity to cater to personnel engaged in essential services.”
Moreover, all inter-state buses/trains will be suspended.
Talking about operations, he announced that all shops, commercial establishments, factories, workshops, offices, godowns, weekly bazaars among others will be closed for operations. However, exemptions include all medical services, dairies, chemists, grocery shops and petrol pumps will remain open.
On the aviation front, all international flights arriving in Delhi during the lockdown period will be suspended. Some domestic flights will be operating at the Delhi Airport.
Kejriwal urged, “People are required to stay at home and venture out only for basic services within the vicinity of their residences while strictly following the social distancing guidelines issued earlier.”
