While discussing about the restrictions being exercised and whether they’d be applicable to Shaheen Bagh or not, not to mention which is the centre of the ‘Anti-CAA Protests’, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal replied, "This is applicable on all whether it is a protest or anything..."
Arvind Kejriwal said that all the political gatherings or protests including the one at Shaheen Bagh are to be banned in Delhi given the view of coronavirus outbreak. This announcement came on 16th March 2020, Monday stating that all the gatherings and protests of having over 50 people will not be allowed in the national capital in view of the COVID-19 outbreak till March 31, 2020. He also said that no religious, social and cultural gathering of over 50 people will be allowed in Delhi till March 31, 2020.
“No religious, social, cultural and political gathering comprising more than 50 people will be allowed till March 31. The restriction is applicable to protests too,” Kejriwal said.
Further, Kejriwal said that the weddings have been given an exception so far from the restrictions but has suggested the people to consider postponing the dates. He added that gyms, nightclubs and spas will also remain close till March 31, 2020.
While referring to the shopping malls, he said that the government will take necessary decisions in two-three days. The government, he said, will examine if thermal screening for coronavirus can be carried out in Delhi Metro as well. He added that all autos, taxis are being disinfected for free and hand sanitisers will be placed at maximum places across the city.
The Chief Minister said four of the seven COVID-19 cases in Delhi are still recovering and assured that sufficient beds will be arranged at the hospitals if the number of cases increases.
The action in Delhi follows similar measures that are being taken by the other states as well. Maharashtra, with the highest number of cases at 32, has already announced closure of all theatres, malls, schools, colleges etc.
The Delhi government has also ordered the shutdown of cinema halls and gymnasiums in view of the coronavirus threat. Schools and colleges in several states have been ordered closed by the administration to control the spread of the virus.
LawStreet View: In light of this fatal outbreak, gathering of even 50 people should not be allowed to prevent the spread of this contagious virus. Given the current statistics, corona virus cases have crossed 182,000 all over the world with over 7,100 deaths. Of these, China has over 80,800 positive cases while Italy stands at over 27,900 cases. Total cases in India have risen to 126, as per the union Health Ministry. So far 3 persons have lost their lives in India.
Author – Devansh Dev