New Delhi: Keeping in view the rising cases of coronavirus, the Delhi government on Wednesday imposed weekend curfew in the national capital. Addressing a press conference, the Delhi Chief Minister announced the restrictions during which all kinds of movement, except essentials services, will remain suspended. The government also decided on shutting down weekly open markets. The decision was taken during the crucial meet with Lt Governor Anil Baijal regarding the coronavirus situation in the UT.

Giving further details, the Delhi chief minister said that the curfew passes will be issued to those rendering essential services. However, he said that the shopping malls, gyms, spas and auditoriums will remain be closed. Moreover, the cinemas halls will operate at 30% capacity only. He also made it clear that the people will not be allowed to dine-in restaurants, only home deliveries will be permitted.

“The curfew passes to be issued to those rendering essential services. Malls, gyms, spas and auditoriums to be closed. The cinemas halls to operate at 30% capacity only. People will not be allowed to dine-in restaurants, only home deliveries permitted,” Kejriwal added.

He also added that there is no shortage of beds in hospitals in Delhi. “According to the latest data, more than 5000 beds are available,” he added.

The development comes as the national capital on Wednesday recorded the biggest single-day jump in its COVID-19 tally with 17,282 new cases, while over 100 people died.

However, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had earlier said that COVID-19 cases are rising very rapidly in the national capital but “there is no slowdown”. The minister, however, had also reiterated that lockdown was not a solution to the situation, and advised people to step out only if urgent, avoid gatherings, wear masks and follow COVID-19-appropriate behaviour.

During the meeting, Lieutenant Governor Baijal and Chief Minister Kejriwal are expected to discuss staggered opening of shops and weekly markets, and restricted number of passengers in public transport among other measures.

The Delhi Chief Minister also had last week said that lockdown is no solution to slow the spread of coronavirus cases, and that it would be imposed in Delhi only if the “hospital system collapses”.