Delhi Lockdown Order
With India entering the most crucial phase of the outbreak of COVID-19 i.e. the 4th week of the virus’ presence in India, the Government of NCT of Delhi in exercise of its powers under the Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations 2020 and The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 vide order dated 22 March 2020 (‘Order’) notified a lockdown in the whole territorial jurisdiction of NCT of Delhi (‘Lockdown’).
The Lockdown was imposed from 0600 hours on 23rd March and will remain in force till 2400 hours on 31st March 2020. During such time, all public transport services (sans DTC buses), arrival of domestic and international flights, construction activity stand suspended. Pertinently, the borders of NCT of Delhi with neighbouring states stand sealed and all shops, commercial establishments, factories, oflces, godowns and weekly bazaars have been directed to shut down operations. People have been directed to leave their homes only for basic services, and that too, within the vicinity of their residences and to strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines issue by the Government.
The Order has inter alia excluded the following services/establishments from its purview:
- Public Utility Services like fire, water, electricity, telecom, health, internet and postal
- E-commerce of all essential goods including food, pharmaceutical and medical
- General provision stores, food items, groceries and takeaway/home delivery in
- Chemists and
- Petrol pumps and LPG/Oil agencies; and
- Manufacturing, processing, transportation, distribution, storage, trade/commerce and logistics relating to the above and commodities required for the delivery of the
The Order specifies that those services/establishments that have been allowed to continue their operations are, too, required to strictly follow the guidelines and protocols relating to social distancing. Further, congregation of more than 5 people has been prohibited and made a punishable offence along with any violation of the Order.
Lastly, the Order provides that employees of private establishments that are required to stay at home in view of the Order will be deemed to be on duty and are entitled to be paid in full.
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