Extend Delhi COVID-19 lockdown by another week: Traders' body CAIT urges CM Arvind Kejriwal, shuts markets

"As and when the situation is improved, the lockdown can be lifted," the CAIT said in a statement.

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New Delhi: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Friday (April 23, 2021) asked the Arvind Kejriwal-led government to extend the COVID-19-induced lockdown in the national capital. They also decided to shut markets for one more week.

The announcement regarding the closure of markets was made by CAIT's Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal on Saturday (April 24). The Traders' Body took the 'voluntary decision' to keep markets closed from April 26 till May 2. 

"As and when the situation is improved, the lockdown can be lifted," the confederation said in a statement.

It added that although lockdown will cause financial loss to traders and the economy, 'yet we are of the considered opinion that in order to save the lives of the people of Delhi and protect them from any further spread of COVID-19, we have sought the extension'.

Though we @CAITIndia hope that #COVIDEmergency2021 will improve soon yet to ensure reducing #COVID19 in Delhi, we have urged Delhi LG @LtGovDelhi & CM @ArvindKejriwal to extend #delhilockdown @DChaurasia2312 @RubikaLiyaquat @awasthis @anjanaomkashyap @rahulkanwal @PTI_News @ANI pic.twitter.com/xtfcNgkuXc

— Praveen Khandelwal (@praveendel) April 23, 2021

In view of the deteriorating #COVIDEmergency, Delhi traders are willing to take a voluntary decision to keep markets closed for one more week (26th April- 2nd May) incase @LtGovDelhi @CMODelhi @ArvindKejriwal do not extend #delhilockdown. @CAITIndia SG Shri @praveendel explains. pic.twitter.com/WKTRSph15z — Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) (@CAITIndia) April 24, 2021

This is to be noted that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on April 19 had announced to put the national capital under complete lockdown till April 26 morning.

"Delhi's health system is unable to take more patients in big numbers," he had said.

Arvind Kejriwal had also stated, "If a lockdown isn't implemented now the situation will go beyond control." 

Meanwhile, the national capital logged 24,331 new COVID-19 infections and a record single-day jump of 348 deaths on Friday. Delhi has witnessed around 2,100 coronavirus-related fatalities in the last 11 days.

Delhi Health Bulletin - 23rd April 2021#DelhiFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/p595XeSUIX — CMO Delhi (@CMODelhi) April 23, 2021

On Tuesday, the city had recorded 28,395 cases, its highest single-day jump so far.


(With inputs from agencies)