Covid-19: Delhi looks to withdraw relaxation on wedding attendees, shut markets emerging as hotspots

The move, however, would need approval of Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal who is the chairperson of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said the government has decided to withdraw its order relaxing the cap on the number of wedding attendees, which would effectively bring back the number to 50. The move, however, would need the approval of lieutenant governor (L-G) Anil Baijal, who is the chairperson of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. (HT file)

Kejriwal also said that he would request the Centre to allow the Delhi government to temporarily close markets identified as potential Covid-19 hot spots for the rampant violation of social distancing norms and other Covid-19-related regulations.

“A few weeks ago, when the Covid-19 situation had improved, the cap on gatherings in marriages was relaxed – from 50 to 200 individuals. The government has decided to withdraw the order, and bring back the limit on the size of wedding-related gatherings from 200 to 50. The proposal has been sent for L-G’s approval today,” said the chief minister in a video press briefing.

He added, “During Diwali, we witnessed massive crowds in markets across the city and in some of them, a large number of people was found neither wearing masks nor following social distancing norms. This has led to the transmission of coronavirus. Even though crowds are expected to reduce in markets now, we will send a proposal to the Central government requesting them to allow us to temporarily close those markets where we see rampant violation of social distancing norms and Covid-19 regulations, which we assess as potential hot spots.”

Under the current guidelines of the Union home ministry, states need the Union ministry’s approval to impose local lockdown-like restrictions.

Kejriwal, on Tuesday, thanked the Centre for its recent intervention in Delhi’s fight against Covid-19 and specifically mentioned the shortage of ICU beds. “Total beds are adequate in Delhi. Though occupancy in private hospitals in high but there is a crisis of ICU beds. I thank the central government for its timely intervention and the 750 ICU beds they have assured,” he said.

As on Tuesday noon, hospitals across the city – including both public and private ones – had 3,564 ICU beds reserved for Covid-19 cases, of which 3,145 were occupied, government records showed.

The chief minister also asked people to not let their guards down at any cost. “Covid-19 does not discriminate. It can happen to any of us. You have to strictly adhere to rules and take all precautions,” he said.