Delhi-Noida Border Sealed Amid Coronavirus Crisis, Some Exceptions Allowed

The border between Delhi and Noida has been sealed as a preventive measure to fight the coronavirus pandemic till further orders, the Uttar Pradesh government said this evening. While Delhi is the second worst-hit state with over 2,000 coronavirus positive cases, Gautam Buddh Nagar, under which Noida falls, is one of the worst-hit districts with nearly 100 cases.

There will be some exceptions to the ban, including people who are directly involved in the fight against COVID-19 and vehicles carrying essential items.

The District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar said the health department of the district has found that the number of people commuting between Delhi and Noida is high and many who have tested positive for coronavirus in Noida over the last few days, have had a connect with Delhi.

"By the report of the health department of Gautam Budh Nagar, it seems there is a probability of transmission in people who commute between Delhi and Noida," the order by the District Magistrate read.

"Dear residents, as per the medical department advice, in the larger public interest, as a preventive measure to fight Covid 19, we are closing Delhi-GB nagar/Noida border completely, with following specified exceptions. You are kindly requested to cooperate," District Magistrate Gautam Budh Nagar tweeted.

Dear residents,
As per the medical department advice, in the larger public interest, as a preventive measure to fight Covid 19, we are closing Delhi-GB nagar/Noida border completely, with following specified exceptions. You are kindly requested to cooperate. StayHome StaySafe???? pic.twitter.com/es4ap51XVW

— DM G.B. Nagar (@dmgbnagar) April 21, 2020

Among those who have been exempt from the ban are:

1. Officials/workers who are directly involved in the fight against the pandemic. Such officials will have to get passes issued from the UP or the Delhi government.
2. Small/large transport vehicles carrying essential items
3. Ambulance services
4. Under Secretaries in the central government who have identity cards issued by the Home Ministry
5. Media persons who have been issued a pass by the government
6. Doctors who are enrolled for emergency services in Gautam Budh Nagar.

Delhi has the second highest number of cases in the country at 2,156, after Maharashtra which has nearly 5,000 cases. 75 new cases have emerged in the national capital in the last 24 hours, however, no deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported. 180 patients have also recovered in the last one day. Delhi, currently has 1498 active cases of COVID-19, as 611 have recovered and 47 have died.

The national capital also has 87 coronavirus containment zones. 

Meanwhile, Gautam Buddh Nagar, adjoining Delhi in western UP, is among the districts worst-hit by the pandemic and has so far recorded nearly 100 positive cases of coronavirus.