Delhi malls and bazaars shut down to battle Coronavirus threat

The Delhi government on Friday ordered closure of all malls and haat bazaars in the national capital in view of the coronavirus threat, but exempted grocery stores and pharmacies in them.

"In view of the prevailing situation, we are closing down all malls (except grocery, pharmacy and vegetable shops in them)," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.

An official in the CM's office said that the order comes into force with immediate effect.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the government has also closed down all the haats at INA, Pitampura and Janakpuri.

The Tourism department's Hop on Hop off (HoHo) bus services has also been suspended, he said.

In another tweet, the chief minister said all non-essential public dealing activities will be stopped till March 31, adding that only essential public dealing activities will continue.

He also said all non-essential staff are being directed to work from home, while all permanent and contractual employees will be paid for this period.

Meanwhile, the chief minister held a meeting with medical superintendents of all Delhi government hospitals.

"Had a meeting with MSs of all Delhi govt hospitals. If corona spreads widely in future, our hospitals should be prepared to deal with such situation - all machines should be working, adequate ventilators, adequate medicines and consumables, manpower etc," he tweeted.

On Thursday, the total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital rose to 14.

According to the Health Ministry data, the COVID-19 cases in India rose to 195 on Friday after 22 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country.

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Coronavirus cases in India state wise: 250 infected, 20 cured and 4 dead