Coronavirus: Delhi malls to remain closed amid scare over Covid-19

All malls in the national capital will remain shut amid scare over coronavirus, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday, further adding that grocery, pharmacy and vegetable shops in them will remain open.

"In view of the prevailing situation, we are closing down all Malls (except grocery, pharmacy and vegtable shops in them)," Mr Kejriwal tweeted this afternoon.

Delhi has thus far reported 18 cases of the highly contagious pathogen, which includes one foreign national. The national capital recorded its first death due to the illness last week. A 68-year-old, resident of west Delhi, died after she came in contact with her son who had contracted the infection after travelling to Switzerland and Italy.

Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party government ordered closing of all restaurants in the city till 31st March to contain the spread of coronavirus, which has spread to over 140 nations.

"Dine-in arrangements in all restaurants shall remain closed in Delhi till March 31. However, restaurants can continue home-deliveries and takeaways," Mr Kejriwal said. Inescapable thermal screening at public places was ordered at a meeting chairedby the chief minister.

The Delhi government has also ordered closure of all government an private schools in Delhi for teaching and non-teaching staff till 31st March. "All exams have been postponed till March 31. The schools will be closed for teaching and non-teaching staff as well," the Directorate of Education (DOE) said.

Like Maharashtra, the Delhi government has also started stamping those who have been asked to self-quarantine. "Strict action will be taken against those who violate self-quarantine rules," the 51-year-old AAP chief told reporters.

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