In view of rising covid-19 cases, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has announced a weekend curfew. The decision came after the CM’s meeting with Liutenant Governor Anil Baijaj.
In addition, the CM also announced to close gyms, spas and malls across the city, while cinema halls have been allowed to operate only with 30% capacity. Only essential services and people going for weddings will be issued curfew passes, the chief minister said during a digital press briefing.
Arvind Kejriwal also assured Delhites that there is no shortage of covid-19 beds in the city hospitals despite the rise in daily cases. Earlier on Sunday, after his meeting with covid-19 patients, the CM had said that people with mild symptoms and no symptoms should not rush to hospitals and quarantine at home. He had earlier announced that he was not in favour of a lockdown, but would have no option but to impose it if hospitals start running out of beds.
According to the Delhi government’s bulletin, of the 15,225 beds for Covid-19 patients in Delhi, 4,816 are currently vacant. In the case of ICU beds, only 545 out of 3,771 are available. However, the situation on social media shows different light as many people have been complaining of not being able to get a bed.
“Over 5,000 beds are available and we are trying to add more beds, including those with oxygen support. But cases are rising and the government has taken a few measures. Weekend curfew will be imposed in the city. On weekdays, people go out to earn. During weekends, people mostly go out for entertainment purposes. So, to break the chain of transmission, weekend curbs are being enforced,” Kejriwal said.