Open Delhi, we are ready for Covid-19 challenge: Arvind Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal suggested that the government can adopt odd-even policy for opening shops in areas outside containment zones.
Delhi chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said he was expecting that some parts of Delhi would be placed in the Orange and Green Zones so that some economic activities could be restarted there.
He said while he appreciates the Centre’s decision to go with lockdown early on and extend it from time-to-time, he disagrees with the criteria of putting entire districts under Red Zones based on cases in one or two localities.
Participating in a special session at ‘E-Agenda Aaj Tak’, Arvind Kejriwal said, “Unfortunately entire Delhi has been declared a Red Zone. I was hoping that only the containment zones will be put under strict regulations and rest of the Delhi will be opened for economic activities. I am talking with the Centre and urging them to consider our proposal. The definition of containment zones can be made stricter but why should an entire district be put under Red Zone because cases were detected in one locality?”
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Arvind Kejriwal also suggested that the government can adopt the odd-even policy for opening shops in areas outside containment zones. “Shops with odd numbers can be allowed on odd dates and shops with even numbers on even dates,” he said.
Delhi is ready: Kejriwal
Arvind Kejriwal also said his government will abide by the guidelines issued by the central government and all relaxations provided by the Centre will also be provided by the Delhi government.
“Today I can confidently say the Delhi government is fully equipped to deal with the situation even if Covid-19 cases increase in Delhi. We have enhanced our health infrastructure adequately. Delhi must open up for business activities. It will also provide jobs to migrant workers who may then decide against returning to their villages,” Arvind Kejriwal said.
Speaking about his government’s future strategy, Kejriwal said the government will increase the testing so that more and more cases are detected.
“The other aspect is, we have to reduce the death rate. If we are able to control deaths due to Covid-19 and test adequate number of people, Covid-19 will become like any other disease. Today people are scared because of the deaths,” he said.
