Delhi govt extends lockdown by a week amid surging COVID cases

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced that the COVID-19 lockdown in Delhi is being extended till next Monday, i.e May 3, 0500 hrs.

Addressing a digital press conference here, Mr Kejriwal said as corona cases are increasing rapidly in Delhi, it was necessary to impose lockdown. “Corona is still growing rapidly in Delhi. So lockdown is being extended for a week till 5 am next Monday,” the Chief Minister said.

“Delhi needs 700 MT Oxygen, the central government has increased it by 10MT and allotted us 490 MT Oxygen. But only 330 MT can reach Delhi,” he said adding that the Delhi government ministers and officials are talking to the supplier overnight and trying to bring oxygen to hospitals.

“At this time, Oxygen is very valuable,” Mr Kejriwal averred and informed that the Delhi government has created a portal which will display the position of oxygen in every 2 hours while being transported from manufacturer to the hospital.

Delhi, which is already under a lockdown since April 19, 2200 hrs, is currently reeling under severe crisis of Oxygen shortage amid a sharp surge in Coronavirus cases. Till now, 45 people have allegedly died due to the shortage of the life-saving gas. (UNI)