Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal extends lockdown in national capital by one more week

File Photo (ANI)

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday (May 16, 2021) extended the lockdown in the national capital by one more week.

The lockdown in Delhi will now remain in place till May 24. The restrictions were first put in place on April 19 and have been extended for the fourth time. The Delhi lockdown was scheduled to end at 5 am on May 17. 

On a good note, the AAP supremo informed that the COVID-19 spread in Delhi is reducing.  

He stated that the Delhi lockdown is being extended as the gains made so far in combating the coronavirus cannot be lost due to relaxations now.

#WATCH | Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal says, "We are extending the lockdown for one more week. Instead of tomorrow, lockdown is extended till next Monday, 5 am in Delhi." pic.twitter.com/Z7cO361LlR — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2021

Delhi recorded 8,506 coronavirus cases on Friday, followed by 6,500 infections on Saturday. The daily COVID-19 count dipped below the 10,000-mark in the national capital after over a month and the city now has 66,295 active cases. 

Delhi Health Bulletin - 15th May 2021 #DelhiFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/YmVaWlYo9S — CMO Delhi (@CMODelhi) May 15, 2021

Earlier on Saturday, Arvind Kejriwal launched an integrated command and control centre (ICCC) to capture real-time pandemic management data in Delhi. He said that the Delhi government's preparations will not slow down as there is a possibility of a third coronavirus wave. 

The new centre will help in decision-making by furnishing real-time data like vaccination details, availability of oxygen, beds, medicines and other requirements in both private and government hospitals.

Delhi govt has started an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). Data related to hospitals, oxygen, vaccination and other aspects of covid management are collected, collated and analysed on real time basis. It will help us in making informed decision making pic.twitter.com/WWrmP1VJxS — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 15, 2021

"Decisions taken by the government in thin air are never successful. However, if based on data, the decisions will be effective and more meaningful," Kejriwal said.

He also stated that the COVID care centres that were closed down after decline in the first wave will be reopened and strengthened further.

Kejriwal said that although the second wave of coronavirus is showing signs of decline, the efforts of the Delhi government have not slowed down.

"The government has set up 1,000 ICU beds, while more oxygen beds are to follow. The COVID care centres that were closed down after the first wave will also be reopened and strengthened," he said.