Delhi will be under lockdown for six days from April 19 10 pm, (Delhi lockdown timing) announced Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday even as the second wave of COVID-19 overwhelmed the national capital with more than 25,000 cases and more than 160 reported in the last 24 hours. Delhi is one of the states that has sent an SOS to the Centre citing a shortage of oxygen and key drugs.
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Addressing the media, Arvind Kejriwal said the health system of Delhi has been stretched to its limit and is under stress. He added, “Harsh measures will have to be taken to prevent a collapse of the health system.”
In the six-day lockdown, essential services, food services, and medical services will continue, Kejriwal said, and added that weddings can be held with a gathering of only 50 people, passes will be issued separately for it.
This comes after Delhi witnessed its first weekend lockdown on April 17 and 18.
Earlier on Monday, ANI reported quoting sources that a curfew would be imposed in Delhi for seven days starting Monday night.
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This comes as Delhi is witnessing the fourth wave of COVID-19 as the national capital on Sunday recorded 25,462 coronavirus cases, which is the biggest single-day spike of fresh infections. A total of 161 people died in Delhi from the COVID-19 disease on Sunday.
Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that Delhi is only left with 100 ICU beds and in a letter to PM Narendra Modi and Union Minister Piyush Goyal, urged them to ramp up bed capacity in central government-run hospitals and to ensure an “uninterrupted” supply of medical oxygen.