Delhi bans large gatherings of over 50; shuts gyms, nightclubs, spas

New Delhi: In the wake of the seven confirmed Coronavirus cases in the national Capital, the Delhi government has decided to close all gyms, nightclubs and spas till March 31, also disallowing public, social, political, cultural, and family gatherings of more than 50 people.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said wedding programmes have not yet been included but people are being urged to postpone their functions if possible. All MCD Commissioners and SDMS have been instructed to arrange large-scale portable washbasins in public places. A total of 300 hand sanitiser dispensers will be installed across all the MCD areas as a part of a preventive measure against Coronavirus.

Kejriwal added: "A video-conferencing was held at 11 am today (Monday), with SDMs, DMs, ministers and the concerned department officials. We are taking all measures necessary to tackle the Corona crisis, and monitoring them at all times."

He further stated: "Delhi has witnessed seven Corona cases to date, with the unfortunate demise of one of the patients. Two cases out of them have fully recovered and the remaining four are under treatment. The Delhi government is taking all precautionary measures to quarantine those who have been affected. We have sufficient resources. More than 500 beds are ready to be installed for immediate hospitalisation in case there is an outbreak. In the meeting today (Monday), the Delhi government has decided to shut down gyms, night clubs, pubs, and spas till March 31."

Meanwhile, as the positive cases of COVID-19 increased to 114 on Monday, the Union Health ministry, in its fresh travel advisory, has banned the entry of all travellers from European countries from March 18 to March 31. As per the fresh travel advisory, the government has prohibited entry to travellers from all 27 European Union nations, four European Free Trade Association member nations, the United Kingdom and Turkey between March 18 and March 31.

The government has also made it must for passengers coming from/transiting through the European Union, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait to quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days.

Out of the total confirmed cases, 17 are foreign nationals. Till now, 13 positive cases have been cured and discharged from hospitals, while India has reported two deaths due to the Coronavirus. A total of 12,76,046 passengers have been screened at airports in the country.

Also, for instant reporting of the COVID-19 cases, the Health ministry has launched a new helpline number 1075, which came into operation on Monday.