Shopping malls in Delhi should be allowed to function with the condition that only 33 per cent of their shops will open in a day, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, offering suggestions on the resumption of economic activities in coronavirus Lockdown 4.
"We want there should not be any relaxation in containment zones. Outside containment zones, several economic activities should be started, but social distancing and masks should be mandatory," the letter read.
"We think after relaxing the lockdown, there would be an increase in coronavirus cases. But we have arranged hospitals, oxygen, ventilators, ambulances, ICUs etc to tackle the situation," he added.
Earlier this week, PM Modi held a meeting with Chief Ministers to discuss Lockdown 4, which is expected to start from May 18. He had asked states for suggestions regarding how they want to implement restrictions.
Responding to PM's call, Mr Kejriwal made several recommendations.
"All markets and market complexes shall remain open on odd-even basis viz. Shops would open on alternate days depending on their shop number. This implies that only 50 per cent shops (excluding those selling essential goods) shall be opened," he said in the letter, adding, "All shopping malls shall open with the condition that only 33 shops would open on a single day and no more."
Metro services shall be permitted for public sector employees, and for those delivering essentials and have e-passes. The DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) will ensure social distancing is being followed and seating inside the coaches is on alternated basis, he said. The relaxation shall be reviewed after a week by the Delhi government.
All private offices shall remain open with 50 per cent attendance; remaining employees must work from home. At work places, the Aarogya Setu mobile application shall be be mandatory, he said.
The recommendations also include restriction on movement of individuals for non-essential activities between 9 pm and 5 am.
"Person's above 65 years of age, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years shall stay at home except for meeting essential requirements and for health purpose," Mr Kejriwal added.
All educational institutes, cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming polls, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places shall remain closed, he said. Places of worship, spas, salons will also not function.
After Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, Delhi has the highest number of coronavirus cases. Despite the rising numbers, Mr Kejriwal had earlier this month said the national capital was ready to be opened up.
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