New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: The Delhi government on Wednesday completely sealed 20 areas which are hotspots for coronavirus in the national capital. The Arvind Kejriwal-led government also announced that face masks will be compulsory for people stepping out of their homes.
Making the announcement, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said: "Some positive cases have been reported in Sadar area so the area has been sealed. Total 20 hot spots have been identified in Delhi, nobody will be allowed to enter or exit from these areas."
"People stepping outdoors have to wear face masks compulsorily, action will be taken against those not following it," he added.
Sisodia said that the government will ensure the delivery of essential items in areas that have been sealed to combat COVID-19 spread.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting held at the Chief Minister's residence, which was attended by Health minister Satyendra Jain and his officials.
Earlier, Kejriwal said that wearing face masks was compulsory for anyone stepping out of their houses.
"Wearing of facial masks can reduce the spread of Coronavirus substantially. Therefore, it has been decided that facial masks will be compulsory for anyone stepping out of their house. Cloth mask shall be eligible too," he said.
The move came hours after Uttar Pradesh decided to completely seal seriously affected areas in 15 districts, including some in Noida and Ghaziabad on the outskirts of the national capital. In Rajasthan, the state government decided to open mandis in a phased manner after end of the 21-day nationwide lockdown, which entered its 15th day.
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Meanwhile, likening the situation in the country to a “social emergency”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday made it clear that the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 cannot be lifted in one go on April 14, asserting that the priority of his government is to "save each and every life".
States, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of the ongoing lockdown beyond April 14 to contain the spread of the virus, Modi said. The official statement, however, did not mention whether the lockdown will be extended.
According to official sources, Modi will interact with chief ministers of all states on April 11 to discuss various issues related to the coronavirus outbreak including the lockdown.
As on Tuesday, the total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital rose to 576, with 51 fresh cases and two deaths being reported in a day, according to the Delhi Health Department.