Arvind Kejriwal terms present situation of Covid-19 in Delhi as 'worrisome'

Addressing a digital press conference here, the Delhi Chief Minister asked people to use face masks and sanitisers and maintain social distancing.

Kejriwal added that the government in Delhi does not want to impose a lockdown.

He said, "We do not want to impose a lockdown but yesterday, helplessly, the government has been ordered to impose a few restrictions. For instance, buses would ply only at 50 per cent capacity, there would be 50 per cent occupancy in the metros, bars and restaurants would function at 50 per cent occupancy- such restrictions have been imposed for your own safety and health. I would like to appeal to you all to follow it properly."

Kejriwal said, 'Corona is rising rapidly in the entire country. In Delhi too, it has increased significantly in the past 10-15 days. It is the fourth wave in Delhi. Prior to this, Delhi has seen three waves; all of us Delhiites faced it quite nicely and it was resolved. The fourth wave is very dangerous. It is spreading very fast so much so that it is beyond the understanding of many people."

He said, "For instance, until a few days ago, that is till mid-March, the number of cases reported per day, was less than 200. The report that would be published in the evening states that Delhi reported 10,732 new cases in the last 24 hours. The day before yesterday, there were 7,900 cases; before that, there were 8,521 cases. You can see that in the past 3 days itself, the cases have increased so rapidly. First 2 days there were 8000-8500 cases and yesterday 10,732 cases came up.'

'No doubt, the situation is worrisome. However, your government is keeping an eye on the situation. I’m personally monitoring it. We are doing whatever needs to be done, taking everyone's aid," the Delhi Chief Minister said.

Kejriwal said, "Currently, we are working on 3 levels. First, how can we stop the spread of Corona? In this regard, the government won't be able to do much single-handedly. The citizens of Delhi will have to collaborate. You did cooperate earlier as well- any time we encountered a new wave, you cooperated with great vigour. Not for anyone else, but for ourselves, our own health and our own family; we will have to follow all the protocols strictly."

"Our health and safety are in our own hands. We reiterate three things quite frequently- wear masks; maintain social distancing and wash your hands frequently. In this, add one more thing- step out of the house only when necessary. It is only a matter of few days. I truly hope that the way the last three waves ended, this fourth wave too shall pass. As of now, please try and stay at home. Step out of the house only if it's important," the Delhi Chief Minister said.

He said, "On one hand we are trying to stop the spread of Corona, on the other hand, the number of patients is increasing at such a fast pace. When someone gets tested positive, they either go for home isolation or to the hospital. We are trying that in case people require access to the hospital, the Delhiites get the best facilities possible. There shouldn't be any dearth with regard to beds, ventilators and oxygen. We are trying to arrange all this. In the month of November, we have seen one peak. We encountered 8,500 cases. Today, we have already crossed 10,700 cases. This peak is even more dangerous than the one we witnessed in November."