Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said the national capital was “ready to lift” the lockdown with measures that implement the Centre’s latest guidelines but also ease the pressure on the common man.
Kejriwal said all government and private offices can open from Monday but the suspension of travel by flight, Metro and bus would continue.
Addressing an online media briefing, Kejriwal said the delivery of essential goods through e-commerce portals would continue in the national capital.
He said that Delhi government offices engaged in essential services would function with full strength while private offices can operate with up to 33 per cent strength.
The Delhi government is prepared to ease lockdown curbs “in places other than containment zones”, the chief minister said while pointing to a gradual withdrawal of the restrictions.
“We are suggesting to the Union government that all containment zones remain sealed. Rest they can start terming as green zones. Shops can be opened in an odd-even basis. Even after the complete lifting of the lockdown, if a few cases increase, we are prepared to handle that as well,” Kejriwal was quoted by NDTV as telling reporters.
While major market areas like Connaught Place and Khan Market will remain shut, shops there providing essential services can remain open, the AAP leader said. Stationery shops, stand-alone and neighbourhood stores and shops on residential lanes for both essential and non-essential services can remain open.
Those who are self-employed, such as electricians, plumbers, technicians and domestic helps, can begin work, Kejriwal said according to the channel.
Public transport services will be non-operational, but cars (carrying three people, including the driver) and motorcycles (carrying one person only) can ply, Kejriwal added.
Weddings, he said, will be allowed with at most 50 people in attendance, while funerals can have 20 guests.
Turning the entire national capital into a red zone is problematic, he said. “First, there is job loss among the masses. Traders and industries have been hugely affected with the closure of shops. People who have lost jobs are leaving the city. Many more want to leave. Delhi will not be able to bear this for too long,” he said.
Second, the Delhi government is faced with a situation in which it can’t get enough revenue. “How will we pay salaries? How will the government function?”
A bunch of key restrictions – on educational institutions, public transport, malls and markets, cinemas, hotels, restaurants, salons and beauty parlours, gymnasiums and swimming pools – will stay in place.
Religious places will remain closed and the ban on religious gatherings will remain.
People above the age of 65 years and below 10 years, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension should not go outdoors.
