NEW DELHI: Quashing rumours that the lockdown in Delhi would be extended in view of the rising number of fresh COVID-19 cases and deaths, Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Friday ruled out any such possibility.
“No there will be no extension of the lockdown,” Jain said. Asked if CM Arvind Kejriwal had discussed the possibility of extension with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jain said neither was it discussed between the two leaders nor did the matter come up at the State Disaster Management Authority meeting with Lt Governor Anil Baijal.
The statement comes at a time when a section of the Delhi government is in favour of reintroducing restrictions on certain establishments, including places of worship, an official said. But government sources said the decision to permit opening of shopping malls, restaurants and religious places was being reviewed.
On the claims by the three municipal corporations that Delhi had seen 2,098 COVID-19 deaths while the Delhi government’s figure was about 1,000, Jain said they should share the details of the deceased with the government.
Delhi has 36,824 confirmed cases and 1,214 deaths. Earlier this week, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said there would a spurt in cases in the coming days and projected 5.5 lakh cases in the city by July-end.
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Reports about the possibility of closure of markets once again have made traders and shopkeepers anxious. Vijay Kumar Khetarpal, president of the South Extension Part I Traders Association, said another lockdown was not the solution to the rising cases.
If the markets are closed again it could lead to serious livelihood issues, he said, adding that footfall in bazaars had gone down to just 10-15 per cent. “The lockdown has already caused disputes among landlords and tenants. Because business was zero during the restrictions, several employees were laid off and their salaries were reduced,” Khetarpal said.
“If the markets are closed again, it will result in unemployment. I suggest that retail markets shouldn’t be touched,” he added.
Paramjit Singh Pamma, the vice-chairman of the federation of Sadar Bazaar Traders’ Association, said dealers in the market had decided to keep shops open.
