Delhi Complete Lockdown to be lifted from Monday: Says CM Kejriwal

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said Delhi has gained control over the second wave of Covid-19 and the city will now start the process of lifting the lockdown gradually. He, however, said the fight against the virus has not ended.

“At a meeting of Delhi Disaster Management Authority on Friday, it was decided that the lockdown be lifted gradually. In the process, we have to take care of the lowest strata first … daily wagers, labourers, migrant workers,” he said. It has been decided to open factories and allow construction activities, Kejriwal said. Every week, based on experts’ and public opinion, the government will continue the unlock process, he said.

“After facing so many problems, we have gained control over the 2nd wave somehow. This doesn’t mean the fight has ended. The situation is under control for now. In the last 24 hours, the positivity rate stood at around 1.5 per cent.” Metro services will continue to remain shut the following week. No relaxation for the transportation sector either has been given.

Announcing the extension of the lockdown in Delhi last Saturday, the chief minister had said the process of unlocking will start from May 31 if the downward trend of Covid cases and positivity rate continued during the week. 

According to the health bulletin issued by the Delhi government on Thursday, 1,072 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in last 24 hours with a positivity rate of 1.53 per cent. Kejriwal had told reporters on Wednesday that the lockdown can not continue indefinitely.

“A lockdown cannot be extended indefinitely. It has hit economic activity and businesses. We will decide how to go about reopening,” he had said when asked if the Delhi government is going to lift the lockdown.