Delhi essential shops may remain open for 24 hours: LG Anil Baijal

New Delhi : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that all essential shops and mohalla clinics will remain open in the national capital during lockdown; he also mentioned that the delivery people will be allowed during the period.

"Online service providers/e-retailers delivering essential services and goods to be allowed. All essential services shops can remain open 24 hours so that there is no rush of people," Baijal said at the press conference.

Arvind Kejriwal mentioned that he has spoken to the Delhi Police officials and have asked them to allow the delivery boys. He also said that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACPs) have been tasked with ensuring that all the grocery stores and other utility stores remain open.

"The factories which make these items, and warehouses where they are stored, will remain open. Those factories which want to function for 24 hours, will be allowed to do so," said Kejriwal.

"Those delivering food will be allowed, these executives just have to shows their ID cards to the police," the Delhi Chief Minister said.

He further said that mohalla clinics won’t be shut. "I know one of our doctors has tested positive. There are reports that mohalla clinics will be shut because of that. I want to tell the people that don’t believe in rumours. Mohalla clinics will be closed," said Kejriwal.

The announcement came one day after long queues were seen outside the grocery stores and reports of harassment by the delivery guys.

The Centre is also in touch with the state governments to ensure there is no shortage of essential commodities.

In five days, the number of Covid-19 cases has jumped from about 200 to 606, and experts say the number could surge if more people are tested. Five fresh cases were reported in the national capital in the last 24 hours till Wednesday.