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.


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

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'.




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.



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


(With inputs from agencies)


ALSO READ | Why are we calling it COVID-19 wave, it's actually tsunami, says Delhi HC on rising cases