Coronavirus pandemic: Malls across Delhi shut, announces CM Arvind Kejriwal
What's the story
In view of the coronavirus pandemic, malls across Delhi have been ordered to remain shut, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Friday. Grocery, pharmacy, and vegetable shops in these malls have been exempted from this ban, he added. The important announcement came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked people to follow janata curfew on Sunday between 7 am and 9 pm.
Context
Why have restrictions been imposed across the nation?
Like the rest of the globe, India too is dealing with a huge crisis, that pertains to a disease COVID-19, which is incurable at the moment. The only way to reduce the impact of the virus, that has killed 10,000 globally since December, is to self-isolate. Coronavirus is highly contagious and transmits through respiratory droplets, hence, governments globally are imposing restrictions.
Details
Schools and colleges shut, public dealing activities restricted
In the last couple of weeks, sweeping orders have been issued. Schools/colleges have been shut, and people have been advised to work from home. Kejriwal's announcement adds to a string of restrictions, aimed at restricting public movement. In a press meet, he disclosed he met HoDs and Secretaries, and it was decided that all non-essential public dealing activities will be stopped till March 31.
Twitter Post
Have to make sure hospitals can deal with situation: Kejriwal
Had a meeting wid MSs of all Del govt hospitals. If corona spreads widely in future, our hospitals shud be prepared to deal wid such situation - all machines shud be working, adequate ventilators, adequate medicines n consumables, manpower etc. pic.twitter.com/DnH9wKuNJH
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 20, 2020
Details
Mumbai, Pune offices to remain shut till March 31
Similarly, in Maharashtra, all offices in Mumbai and a few other cities will remain shut till March 31, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced today. Only essential services will function in Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Nagpur, while government offices will operate at 25% attendance. Asking employers to not stop salaries, Thackeray said, "Crises will come and go but don't stop your humanity."
Metro
Thackeray isn't thinking about closing public transport; DMRC shuts metro
While Thackeray said closing public transport would be the last resort if people don't stop crowding trains and buses, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has decided to suspend services on Sunday. "The move is aimed at encouraging public to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, which is essential in the fight against COVID-19," the official handle of DMRC tweeted a short while ago.
Count
Number of infected crossed 200 in India
The number of infected people climbed to 206 today. Yesterday, in his nationwide address, PM Modi said Indians should remain alert without assuming that the crisis has been thwarted. He asked countrymen to stay inside homes on Sunday and also urged those above 60 to avoid stepping out. PM Modi stressed that the world is struggling, and there's really no other solution other than restrictions.