Is Delhi Ready to OPEN? CM Arvind Kejriwal Gives Hope of Greater Relaxation in Lockdown 4.0

Is Delhi Ready to OPEN?
Delhi wants public transport and shopping malls to resume.
Is Delhi Ready to OPEN?
Delhi wants public transport and shopping malls to resume.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is in a mood to push ahead economic activities in the national capital to resume businesses. The Delhi government has been seeking the Union government’s advice over the partial reopening of market and shopping complexes on an odd-even basis. The state government has assured that social distancing, along with other safety measures, would be maintained.

Kejriwal ready for greater relaxation

The Delhi Chief Minister is among the few Chief Ministers in the country who are set to provide greater relaxation in the fourth phase of the lockdown period which would begin from May 18. Kejriwal received a bulk of messages from people through emails and Whatsapp within a day. They were suggesting for more relaxations in Delhi after May 17. If suggestions are accepted, then only one-third of the shops in a mall would be allowed to function at a time.

Talk to restart public transport

The Delhi government has also urged the Centre for the partial operations of public transport including DTC buses, cabs, auto-rickshaws, and Metro. The state government is also seeking permission to restart work in industries and construction activities.

Schools to remain close

There is a hope of greater relaxation in Delhi, but schools and other educational institutions will remain closed. Apart from these hotels, multiplexes, salons, and barbershops have to wait for some more time to start reopening. Restaurants have been allowed only for takeaway and home delivery services.

“The nation went into a lockdown one-and-a-half months back. It was easy to put the country and Delhi under lockdown but lifting it and reviving the economy will be much more difficult,” Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said at a digital press conference.

A new beginning from Monday

The Delhi CM had a discussion with LG Anil Bailjal along with senior officials on Thursday after getting some advice from the people. The state government is hoping to get a favourable response from the Centre. Hence, the state government is ready to lift the curb with safeguards, and it is set to kickstart a new life from coming Monday after a long period of novel coronavirus lockdown.

Officials to prepare SOP

Officials of all departments have been asked to prepare a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for people within a few days for the proper operations of the facilities. Besides this, all the safety measures will be taken to keep the COVID-19 cases in control.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is in a mood to push ahead economic activities in the national capital to resume businesses. The Delhi government has been seeking the Union government’s advice over the partial reopening of market and shopping complexes on an odd-even basis. The state government has assured that social distancing, along with other safety measures, would be maintained.

But senior citizens and sick people, pregnant women and children below 10-year have to remain indoors. If auto-rickshaws and taxis are back on Delhi’s road, then only one passenger in autos and two in taxis will be allowed to travel. Educational institutions are likely to open after the summer break.

Related Links:

State-wise Breakup of Covid-19 Cases in India

Preventive Measures Against Covid-19