India’s capital announces lockdown amid surge in COVID infections

The Indian government has announced a week-long lockdown in Delhi, the nation’s capital amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

On Sunday, despite the weekend lockdown, Delhi reported 24,462 COVID-19 cases — the highest single-day count of coronavirus cases.

The COVID casualty toll in the country has been rising in recent times with 1,620 deaths reported on Sunday.

Announcing the lockdown, Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi chief minister, in a press conference on Monday, said though he is against a lockdown, it is necessary to reduce the number of patients admitted in hospitals in Delhi.

Kerjriwal said government offices and essential services will remain open during the lockdown which starts on Monday.

He appealed to the city’s migrant workers not to leave, like the scenario that played out last year during the first wave of the pandemic.

“I have always been against lockdowns, but this one will help us amplify the number of hospital beds in Delhi,” the chief minister was quoted by the BBC.

“This was a difficult decision to take but we had no other option left.

“I know when lockdowns are announced, daily-wage workers suffer and lose their jobs. But I appeal to them to not leave Delhi, it’s a short lockdown and we will take care of you.”

As of Monday, India has reported over 15 million COVID-19 cases with about 178,783 deaths.