No lockdown in Delhi, COVID-19 situation under control, says CM Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday (January 9, 2022) addressed the media and said that his government is not planning to not impose any lockdown. 

In a press conference, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief said that the COVID-19 situation is under control and requested people to wear masks.

"There is no plan to impose lockdown as of now. We won't if people continue to wear masks," Kejriwal said.

"Our attempt is to impose minimum restrictions so livelihoods are not affected," the Delhi CM added.

He further informed that about 22,000 COVID-19 cases are likely to be reported in Delhi on Sunday.

"Increasing cases concerning but need not be scared. I am saying so after comparing data from the last wave," the Delhi CM said.

Addressing an important press conference on COVID-19 situation in Delhi | LIVE https://t.co/iIPa3FZdHM — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 9, 2022

The remarks come amid the national capital recording seven more fatalities due to COVID-19 and clocking 20,181 new infections. The positivity rate in Delhi has now also increased to 19.60 per cent, according to data by the health department.

The number of active cases currently stands at 48,178, of which 25,909 are in home isolation.

Delhi Health Bulletin - 8th January 2022 #delhiFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/V7T9Dp4iSl — CMO Delhi (@CMODelhi) January 8, 2022

This is noteworthy that a weekend curfew is already in place in Delhi to curb the spread of coronavirus. The curfew started at 10 pm on Friday and will remain in force till Monday 5 am. 

During the weekend curfew, only those involved in essential services and those facing an emergency situation are allowed to step out of their homes. Those venturing out will have to produce e-passes issued by the government or valid identity cards.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is also scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss further restrictions, including 'total curfew', under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The agenda of the meeting includes a review of the COVID-19 situation and preparation in the wake of rising Omicron cases in Delhi, a discussion on the implementation of GRAP (Level 4 Red), and a review of the vaccination programme.

"Discussion on implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (Level 4 Red Alert) as positivity of COVID-19 has crossed 15.34 per cent," stated the notice listing agenda of the meeting.

The 'Red Alert' is the topmost level of restrictions, including a total curfew, closure of all non-essential shops, metro trains, government offices, except those dealing with essential services, under the four-stage GRAP approved by DDMA. It can be sounded when the coronavirus positivity crosses 5 per cent and stays so for two consecutive days.

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