Delhi lockdown extended by 1 week as oxygen situation still 'under stress': CM Arvind Kejriwal

“Extending lockdown for another week is needed. The oxygen situation continues to be under stress and we need at least 700 metric tonnes (MT) of oxygen,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said (Image: ANI)

COVID-necessitated lockdown in the national capital of Delhi will be extended for another week as the oxygen situation is “under stress”, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on April 25.

This means the lockdown in the city has been extended till 5 am on May 3, 2o21.

“Extending lockdown for another week is needed. The oxygen situation continues to be under stress and we need at least 700 metric tonnes (MT) of oxygen,” Kejriwal explained.

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He said that while the Centre on April 24 extended Delhi’s oxygen quota from 470 MT to 480 MT, the city received only 330-335 MT till yesterday.

“The entire team is busy over night to divert oxygen supply wherever needed, but management of oxygen supply is needed. We are now making a portal, where everyone involved in the cycle – from manufacturers to hospitals will have to update their status every two hours. This will allow us to take timely action,” he added.

Kejriwal also noted that the central government has been “constantly helping” and that the Centre and Delhi government are “working in tandem to reduce supply bottlenecks.”

“I have spoken to a few states also to seek help to deal with current oxygen shortage,” he added.

Here’s all you need to know about the lockdown – what allowed and what’s not:

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said that it has “considered it necessary to take effective measures” to break the transmission chain and prevent spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Delhi. To this end, the following rules apply:

>> Curfew on movement of people which was earlier imposed from 10 pm on April 19 till April 26, 2021 is now extended for another week as an “emergency measure” after review and observation that number of COVID-19 cases and positivity rate is still “very high.”

>> This means the restrictions of individuals — except for essential activities or services stipulated in DDMA order dated April 19) will now last till 5 am on May 3, 2021 or further orders (whichever is earlier).

>> There is no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of all types of goods and cargo, and empty trucks, including those for cross land-border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries. These vehicles will thus not require any separate permission or approval or e-permits.

>> The order dated April 25 allows additional activities as follows: courier services; services provided by self-employed persons such as electrician, plumbers and repairing of water purifiers; shops of educational books for students and shops of electric fans. However, these services will only be allowed with possession of e-pass (digital or printed copy is acceptable).

>> Compliance to the order is to be ensured by all Delhi District Magistrates and their counterpart District Deputy Commissioners of Police and concerned authorities. “Field functionaries have to be adequately informed and sensitised in letter and spirit.”

The order noted that these restrictions fundamentally relate to movement of people, but not to that of essential goods or services.

Those found violating rules of curfew will be proceeded against under provisions of section 51 to 60 of Disaster Management Act, 2005, Section 188 of IPC and other applicable laws.

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