Coronavirus COVID-19: Delhi Police allows online retailers transporting essential services to operate

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New Delhi: Delhi Police on Thursday (March 26, 2020) recalled its previous order and allowed vehicles of online retailers transporting essential services to operate in the national capital during the 21-day lockdown period. The Delhi Police also finalised a list of e-commerce companies which will be allowed to provide and deliver essential services in the national capital during this period.

Allowing retailers/ operators and online delivery service providers to operate in the city, Delhi Police issued guidelines to all Deputy Commissioners of Police, asking them to ensure hassle free movement of personnel and vehicles of e-retailers delivering essential services & goods.

This comes after Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal said that all shops selling essential commodities in Delhi will be allowed to remain open round the clock to prevent crowding and rush by the people. He further added that the police department has been asked to allow e-commerce companies to function in the state.

"Online service providers and e-retailers delivering essential services and goods to be allowed. All essential services shops can remain open 24 hours so that there is no rush of people," Baijal said at a press conference, also attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. 

Zomato, Flipkart, Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket and Big Bazaar are some of the service providers that have been given the permit to operate during the lockdown.

Earlier, Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal had said the core committee on coronavirus has decided to encourage the grocery and essential supplies stores to operate 24 hours all through the week, and also there will be no restriction on e-commerce companies. Speaking to the media, he said the Sub Divisionl Magistrates (SDMs) have been asked to ensure that essential items shops are opened and also that there are enough stocks in them.

"As a special measure, grocery and essential supplies stores to be allowed to operate 24 by 7. This will help in staggering customer visits and help in maintaining social distancing norms. All those who wishes to open 24 by 7 will be encouraged," the LG said. This will help in avoiding mass gatherings.

Baijal said this will not be forced upon the shop owner, but anyone who wishes to do it is most welcome. Biajal aso said that it has been decided to allow food home delivery services.

"There will be no restriction on e-commerce companies," he added. Baijal said all police officers and district in-charges have been asked to ensure that all shops and stores dealing in essential items are fully-stocked.

Baijal also asked the District Magistrates (DM) in the city to ensure social distancing is maintained at the dispensing points, monitor functioning of helplines and compliance of home quarantine.

Briefing the media, Kejriwal said that till date, Delhi has 36 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of now. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 694. 

In his address to the nation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown in the entire country beginning Tuesday midnight to deal with the spread of coronavirus, saying that "social distancing" is the only option to deal with the disease, which spreads rapidly.