Delhi, Punjab, Telangana say no to lockdown relaxations

New Delhi: The Delhi, Punjab and Telangana governments on Sunday decided against the relaxation being implemented from April 20. Along with these three states, Gurugram, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad districts administration too decided not to allow relaxation.

The Delhi government will not relax the lockdown for at least a week as the coronavirus spread appears to have gained pace, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday, asserting that the decision has been taken to save lives. Kejriwal, however, assured the situation is under control and his government will reassess it after a week to see what relaxations can be given. Order by Chief Secretary Vijay Dev said the administration will review the situation on April 27.

The Delhi Chief Secretary also directed "all the Departments of Delhi government to maintain status-quo with respect to strict implementation of guidelines issued on April 15" - when lockdown was extended till May 3."

The decision to prolong the restrictions came a day after the Delhi government added eight new containment zones, increasing their total to 76, and as the number of COVID-19 cases neared 1,900 in the city. In a containment zone, people are not allowed to step out of their homes and essential items are delivered at their doorsteps by the government.

The Punjab government too ruled out any relaxation in the curfew till May 3 barring the wheat procurement. The move came after Chief Minister Amarinder Singh reviewed the current situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak with senior officers from the administration and police department. With the decision, all exemptions given from April 20 to industries in rural areas, booksellers, dhabas, shopkeepers dealing in air-conditioners and those involved in sand and gravel mining and stone crushing have been withdrawn.

Also, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday announced that the ongoing lockdown in the state has been extended to May 7. Briefing reporters after a state cabinet meeting, he said the lockdown would be implemented in a tough manner in the state. He also said food delivery apps would not be allowed to operate in the state from Monday.