Lockdown 2.0: Delhi govt implements Centre's order on opening of shops, says 'won't allow any further relaxation till May 3'

New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: The Delhi government on Sunday announced that it has decided to implement Centre's order on opening of neighbourhood and standalone shops during the coronavirus lockdown.

Addressing the media via video conferencing, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government will not allow any further relaxation in lockdown till May 3, except those permitted by Ministry of Home and Family Welfare.

Kejriwal, however, said that no shops will open in the containment zones in the city-state.

"Centre decided to open certain shops, we are implementing it here too. Medical stores, grocery stores, fruits and vegetable shops, dairy will remain open. Besides this, standalone shops in residential areas, neighbourhood shops will also open. No shopping complex or market will open," Kejriwal said.

Also Read | Lockdown 2.0: As govt allows neighbourhood, standalone shops to reopen, here's what remains open and what closed from today

The Delhi Chief Minister further said that the situation in the city-state has improved since last week, adding that there were lesser number of cases, fewer deaths and many people went home after making complete recovery.

"In the 7th week since the beginning of Corona pandemic, 850 cases were reported and in the 8th week - last week - 622 cases were reported. 21 people died in 7th week and 9 people died last week. In 7th week 260 people recovered and discharged, in 8th week 580 recovered and went home," he said.

This comes a day after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had said that any decision on the directive of Centre will be taken after the review of the situation by the state government.

The central government on Friday night issued a order, allowing neighbourhood and stand-alone shops to open from Saturday. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), however, said that shops will mandatorily have 50 per cent strength of workers wearing of masks and following social distancing.

Also Read | Coronavirus Crisis: 'Lockdown in Delhi may need to be extended till mid-May,' says official

In rural areas, all shops, except those in single and multi-brand shopping malls, are allowed to open.

However, a Home Ministry official said the final decision of whether to allow the additional shops to open or not will be taken by the state governments and Union Territory administrations depending on their respective COVID-19 situation.

The Union Home Ministry also said malls, liquor and cigarette shops, sale of non-essential items through e-commerce platforms continue to remain shut.