Stating that Delhi’s health system has been stretched to its limit and is under stress, Arvind Kejriwal said that harsh measures will have to be taken to prevent a collapse of the health system.
Police personnel stop vehicles at a checkpoint during a weekend lockdown imposed by the government, in New Delhi. Pic/AFP
Delhi will be under complete curfew from 10 am tonight till 6 am on next Monday (April 26) amid a record spike in coronavirus cases.
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While making this announcement, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “Delhi is facing the fourth wave of COVID-19...25,000 cases have been reported now. Delhi's health system has reached its limits. I don't say that the system has collapsed but it has reached its limits.”
#WATCH| In the last 24 hours, around 23,500 cases were reported. In last 3-4 days, around 25,000 cases have been reported. Positivity rate&infection have increased. If 25,000 patients come every day then system will crumble, there's a shortage of beds:Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/P3xEszFkke
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2021
Stating that Delhi’s health system has been stretched to its limit and is under stress, Kejriwal said that harsh measures will have to be taken to prevent a collapse of the health system.
“Essential services, food services, medical services will continue. Weddings can be held with a gathering of only 50 people, passes will be issued separately for it. A detailed order will be issued shortly,” Kejriwal added.
The CM said that in the next six days, arrangements will be made for more beds in Delhi. “We thank the Central government for helping us. The lockdown period will be used to arrange oxygen, medicine. I request everyone to follow the guidelines,” he further said.
#WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal appeals to the migrant labourers. He says, "I appeal to you with folded hands. It's a small lockdown, only for 6 days. Don't leave Delhi & go. I'm very hopeful that we won't need to further extend the lockdown...Govt will take care of you." pic.twitter.com/OsFCytHCNu
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2021
During curfew, movement of persons for marriage related gatherings up to 50 persons (on production of soft or hard copy of marriage card) and funeral related gatherings up to 20 persons will be allowed.
Media is exempted on production of valid ID card. No restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement/transportation of essential goods. No separate permission/e-pass required for such movements. Religious places shall be permitted to open, but no visitors allowed.
On Sunday, Delhi registered 25, 462 new cases and 161 deaths in 24 hours. Daily positivity rate was 29.74 per cent, while the active cases in the city stand at 74,941, of which 34,938 are in home isolation.
Delhi's cumulative death toll reached to 12,121 and the cumulative fatality rate was reported at 1.42 per cent.
Meanwhile, 20,159 patients recovered till Sunday night taking the total recovery from Covid-19 so far in the capital to 7,66,398.
Amid continuing surge and the number of beds running out while supplies of oxygen and other medical facilities dipped, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, terming the situation at a critical stage, dialled Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking help.
Later, he wrote to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, requesting uninterrupted supply of oxygen on a daily basis to Delhi.
"I would request you to kindly look into the matter personally and give appropriate instructions to all concerned and ensure uninterrupted supply of 700MT of oxygen to Delhi for effectively managing Covid-19 situation," he said.