Arvind Kejriwal puts Delhi under lock down; essential services exempted

Delhi chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced complete shut down of the national capital to stem the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the region. The lockdown will kick-in from 6 a.m. Monday and last till March 31.

"We have decided to impose lockdown in Delhi from 6 am tomorrow (March 23) to March," said Arvind Kejriwal in a Press conference.

All dairies, grocery shops, chemists and petrol pumps to remain open during the period. However, no public transport will operate. Essential services including medical services are exempted keeping in view the smooth supply chain of goods.

Kejriwal has said the national capital borders will be sealed during lockdown but will make sure people providing essential services do not face difficulties. He also said the Delhi Airport will be shut from tomorrow till lockdown ends.

The Delhi chief minister added that six locally transmitted coronavirus cases were found in Delhi. Total count in Delhi stand at 27.

India reported three more coronavirus deaths on Sunday, including the first casualty from Bihar, taking the toll to seven and the number of Covid-19 cases rose to 341, officials said.

In an unprecedented move, the railways had earlier cancelled all passenger trains till March 31 to halt the virus spread.