BackAfter dengue, Delhi's next challenge is to defeat Coronavirus: Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal warns of action against those flouting social distancingThe capital saw long queues before liquor shops as they reopened after 40 days with the easing of controls
PremiumNEW DELHI : After dengue, Delhi’s next challenge is to beat the coronavirus, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday. Reiterating that lockdown isn’t a permanent solution, he said it’s important to wear masks, maintain social distancing and sanitise the surroundings.
Kejriwal’s comments came amid a relaxation in lockdown measures, leading to long queues outside liquor stores which were opened almost after 40 days. The CM warned of action against those not practising social distancing.
Delhi has one of the highest numbers of covid-19 cases in India at 4,549, with 427 new cases reported on Sunday alone. “All the districts in Delhi are in red zone. The relaxations that were given in the zone have all been implemented. Just like the people of Delhi worked to ensure that we fight against dengue, the same way we have to fight against coronavirus. These relaxations are given so that we can open Delhi in a phased manner."
Kejriwal said people will have to work together to ensure that the spread of the disease reduces. Last year, the state government had launched a 10-week people’s movement to contain cases of dengue. “We have to ensure that we continue to wear masks whenever we step out. We have to maintain social distancing and continue to sanitise our hands and surroundings."
While announcing the relaxations on Sunday, Kejriwal said while the lockdown was necessary when it was imposed, Delhi was ready to reopen as the extended lockdown had hurt businesses.
On Monday, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan told reporters that the national capital required stringent measures to tackle the disease.
Commenting on the chaos outside liquor stores, Kejriwal said: “It was unfortunate that chaos was seen at some shops today in Delhi. If we come to know of violations on social distancing and other norms from any area, then we will have to seal the area and revoke the relaxations there."
He said shop owners will have to take the responsibility, if social distancing were being violated outside a shop.
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