Covid-19 lockdown in Delhi from tonight. Here's what remains exempt

Delhi is witnessing an exponential rise in coronavirus cases. The national capital on Sunday recorded its biggest daily jump in Covid-19 tally, with 25,462 fresh cases and a high positivity rate of 29.74% -- meaning almost every third sample being tested in the city is turning out to be positive.

In view of the worrying surge in Covid-19 cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced a six-day lockdown, to be imposed in the city from 10pm on April 19 to 5am on April 26 (next Monday). Not unlike the earlier orders that were in effect from 10pm last Friday till 6am on Monday morning, all gatherings at public places and movement as specified under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) shall remain prohibited. Essential services and emergency response personnel shall be exempted from the restrictions, according to the order issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). This time, however, the order specified that government offices will be allowed to function, while all private offices shall be required to direct their employees to work from home during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Delhi Police personnel check vehicle during a weekend lockdown, in New Delhi on Sunday. (ANI)

Delhi is witnessing an exponential rise in coronavirus cases. The national capital on Sunday recorded its biggest daily jump in Covid-19 tally, with 25,462 fresh cases and a high positivity rate of 29.74% -- meaning almost every third sample being tested in the city is turning out to be positive.

Here's what remains exempt from the restrictions, and what doesn't in the national capital till at least next Monday:

Graphic: Hindustan Times

1. Police, civil defence, prisons, home guards, fire and emergency services personnel are allowed to carry on their duties as these fall under 'essential services' allowed during the Covid-19 lockdown. They will, however, need to produce valid identity cards.

2. Judicial officials, judges, advocates, and lawyers, of the Delhi high court as well as the district courts, may continue their services on the production of valid ID cards, photo entry passes, or permission letters issued by the court administration.

3. Emergency medical and healthcare-related facilities, such as private hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, medicinal clinics, testing laboratories, pharmacies, medical oxygen suppliers and other associated services shall remain functional with valid identity cards on display. Medical and health-related services such as the supply of medical instruments and consumables, sanitation and security shall also remain open. Doctors, nurses, paramedical staff of private clinics shall be allowed to carry on with their duties.

4. Pregnant women and patients, if they are travelling to get medical services, shall be allowed, given they produce valid identity cards, doctor's prescription, or medical papers. Beneficiaries travelling for Covid-19 vaccination shall be allowed to do so on the production of valid ID proof.

5. Essential facilities in Delhi such as groceries, dairies, shops selling fruits and vegetables, bakeries, and confectionaries shall also remain open. However, these establishments will be required to ensure Covid-19 appropriate behaviour in their premises, as per official protocols.

6. Banks, insurance offices, ATMs, print and electronic media, telecommunication internet, broadcasting, IT and cable-related services shall be allowed to function. E-commerce delivery services shall be allowed, on condition of adherence to proper protocol.

7. Power generation, water supply, distribution staff, people associated with cold storage services, private security services shall be allowed. Petrol pumps, LPG, CNG, petroleum and gas retail and storage outlets remain open. The staff of production units of services requiring a continuous process shall be allowed to carry on with their work.

8. Central government officials and personnel associated with the autonomous or subordinate offices and PSUs of the central government will be allowed to travel, given they produce valid ID cards. Offices of GNCT of Delhi, associated autonomous bodies and corporations shall remain closed, however, except those involved in essential and emergency services. Officials functioning in the offices of diplomats of various countries as well as persons holding any constitutional post shall be allowed to travel. Private offices and establishments not listed above shall remain closed during the Covid-19 lockdown in Delhi, and will be required to direct all of their employees to work from home.

9. Public transport facilities, such as Delhi Metro and public buses will be allowed with 50% seating capacity. Autos, e-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cabs can carry can up to a maximum of 2 passengers. Maxi cab and RTVs can carry up to five and 11 passengers, respectively. No standing passenger shall be allowed, as per the protocols prescribed by the Delhi government.

10. Weddings that have already been planned and funerals shall be allowed to proceed, but with not more than 50 invitees and only with relevant curfew passes issued by the Delhi government.