Delhi allows electricians, plumbers; sale of books

The Delhi government has allowed from Tuesday some relaxation in the ongoing lockdown and has approved services of electricians, plumbers and sale of educational books even as it has said no other relief will be given till May 3.

In an order issued late on Monday night, the government also allowed the movement of inter, intra state and air travel of all healthcare workers and scientists.

In the Healthcare sector, veterinary hospitals, dispensaries, clinics, pathological laboratories, sale and supply of vaccine and medicine have been allowed, the order said.

“Movement (inter and intra state, including by air) of all medical and veterinary personnel, scientists, nurses, para-medical staff, lab technician, mid-wives and other hospital support services, including ambulances will be allowed,” the order signed by chief secretary Vijay Dev said.

Also, it has allowed the operations of homes for children, disabled, mentally challenged, senior citizens, destitute, women and widows.

The order also said that online teaching and distance learning are to be encouraged.

“Shops of educational books for students and shops selling electric fans have also been allowed to open,” the order said.

Apart from these, services provided by self-employed persons such as electricians, plumbers or those repairing water purifiers have also been allowed.

For all other services, the order directed to maintain “status-quo” with respect to strict implementation of guidelines issued for the lockdown till May 3 or further orders.

From April 20, the Centre has allowed some relaxation, but the city government maintained the “status-quo” without any relaxation.

On April 26, Cheif Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that only stand-alone shops will be allowed to open in the city.

Speaking to the media, Kejriwal had said the Central government has decided to open a few neighbourhood shops, we will follow the MHA order in Delhi as well.

“The essential services will remain open, but the markets, complexes, and shopping malls will remain shut. Only standalone and neighbourhood shops such as those in residential areas will be allowed to open. However, standalone and neighbourhood shops that fall under the containment area will remain closed. Nothing else, other than what is mentioned in this order, will be allowed to re-open till May 3, which is another one week,” Kejriwal said.

However, the order said the additional services are allowed from Tuesday “after an assessment of the overall situation”, which was done on Monday.

Delhi has reported more than 3,100 COVID cases so far with 100 containment zones across the city.-IANS News