Coronavirus outbreak: Delhi imposed strict restrictions on the movement of people.
Highlights
- Private vehicles, buses will run for those working in essential services
- Police said passes would be required for those working in private concern
- Strict action will be taken against those violating prohibitory orders
Curfew passes will be a must from tomorrow for travel between Delhi and its neighbouring areas, the Delhi Police announced today amid concerns in the government about violations of lockdown. The number of coronavirus cases up to 29 in Delhi, the Arvind Kejriwal government announced stringent restrictions yesterday that swept public transport off the roads and closed shops and business establishments, leaving out only essential goods and services.
The government said only people working for essential services be allowed to travel in private vehicles. To this end, the Delhi Police said passes would be required for those working in private concerns. Government employees can use their identity cards.
Mr Kejriwal had said 25 per cent state-run buses would be on roads to aid their travel. The figure was increased to 50 per cent now.
In a communique this evening, the Delhi Police said, "For the movement of persons involved in the essential goods and services, the concerned Delhi-based organisations have to get the curfew passes from their respective district police headquarters".
NCR-based organisations can approach the offices of the nearest Delhi District Police for curfew passes for their employees entering Delhi.
Strict action will be taken against those violating prohibitory orders under Section 144 banning large gatherings, the police said.
But the lockdown - which by now covers 20 states and Union Territories -- has not had the desired effect and there have been people who have not taken it seriously, the government said. Earlier today, the Centre asked the state governments to crack down on people violating restrictions.
In a Hindi tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously. I request state governments to ensure rules and laws are followed".
The country registered 37 fresh cases of the virus today, which pushed the total to 415. Of this, 41 are foreign nationals and seven persons died. The deaths were reported from Gujarat, Bihar, Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab and Bengal.