Coronavirus Threat: Delhi calls for complete lockdown, imposes section 144

New Delhi: Section 144 of CrPC is going to be imposed in nation's capital Delhi with effect from 6 am on 23 March to 12 midnight of 31 March, CM Arvind Kejriwal has confirmed

Delhi will be locked down in view of the growing coronavirus threat, from 6 am on March 23, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced at a joint press conference with Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Sunday.

The lockdown will continue till 12 midnight on March 31, Kejriwal said.

During the lockdown, no public transport will operate and Delhi's borders will be sealed but the essential services related to health, food, water and power supply will continue, he said. 25% DTC buses will be working to allow transport to providers of essential services. 

Dairies, grocery shops, chemists and petrol pumps will remain open but persons associated with essential services will be allowed to go to their destinations during the lockdown, he said.

"We know people will face difficulties, but lockdown is necessary to contain the spread of coronavirus," the chief minister said.

He also said six of the total cases reported in Delhi were locally transmitted