Following the complete restrictions on the movement in hotspots across the national Capital to stop the COVID-19 spread, the residents in these areas found it difficult to get essential items such as milk, vegetable and other household commodities.
As the Delhi Police increased its vigil across the 21 hotspots in the city since Wednesday night, there was chaos like situation, before people could really come to terms with the fact that they are not supposed to venture out of their homes under any circumstances. However after the initial panic, it seems the people realised that this the new normal for a few days.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced “Operation SHIELD” in 21 containment zones and warned of strict action against those misbehaving with healthcare personnel in the city.
The CM appealed to people living in containment areas to cooperate in implementing “Operation SHIELD” and said these are strict measures but are necessary to protect them and others from COVID-19.
During the day, police teams through public announcement (PA) system urged people to stay indoors and follow the orders.
When contacted, the residents said they were looking forward to a relaxation of the lockdown next week but were taken by surprise when they came to know that their localities have been completely sealed.
Many people having pets could not even take them out for walks. Rajesh, who has a labrador, said his pet has been restless since morning. “At most, I can allow him to go till the balcony but that is not enough for him,” he said.
“People queued up outside the store inside the society to buy milk. Initially, while standing in the queue, they maintained a safe distance but later it all went for a toss. Seeing the situation, it was later announced that the essential products will be delivered at their doorstep but that too was delayed,” said a resident of Gandhi Park in Malviya Nagar.
As panic gripped, residents of apartment buildings in Mayur Vihar extension where Vardhman apartment was sealed, said they have now stocked essentials for two days but if it extends they will be not able to cope with the situation as several residents in the society complained about delay is delivery of essentials for 5 to 6 hours.
Elaborating the operation during an online briefing, Kejriwal said under the first ‘S’ of the operation, the Government seals the area immediately and its surroundings after geographical marking following positive cases there.
“In the next stage, we put people of sealed areas under home quarantine and then in the third stage, the process begins to isolate those who have symptoms of COVID-19 and trace their contacts,” he said.
About ‘E’ character of ‘Operation SHIELD’, Kejriwal explained that the Government ensures home-delivery of essential items.
“After this stage, the Government sanitises such areas where one or two positive cases have been found.
“Under ‘D’, checking of door-to-door houses is conducted to ascertain whether anybody in containment has cough or any other symptoms of COVID-19,” the Chief Minister also said.
Talking about the incident of assault on two women resident doctors of Safdarjung Hospital in Gautam Nagar area, he said the Government will not tolerate such incidents.
“These days, doctors and nurses have been putting their lives in danger by treating COVID-19 patients.
“We will take strictest action against those misbehaving with healthcare personnel,” Kejriwal said.
The warning comes a day after two women resident doctors of Safdarjung Hospital were allegedly assaulted by a 42-year-old man who accused them of “spreading” COVID-19 in Gautam Nagar area.
The CM said on Wednesday, the Government made it compulsory for people to wear masks while stepping out of their houses.
“We understand that people are facing problems, but measures taken by authorities are necessary to contain coronavirus,” he said.
The Government has also cut expenses as tax collection is almost stopped, Kejriwal said, adding that everyone will also have to cut their expenses of their level in view of the current situation.
According to him, the Delhi Government was giving free rations to 71 lakh people in the city.
Meanwhile, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) carried out a “massive” disinfection drive at various hotspots identified in areas such as Gandhi Park, Malviya Nagar, Sangam Vihar, Shahajahanbad society, Sector-11 Dwarka, Dinpur Village, Markaz Masjid, Nizamuddin Basti, Nizzamuddin West.
A senior SDMC official said the civic body has deployed 10 tankers, eight jetting machines, two fire tenders and 50 sanitation workers are deployed for spraying the disinfectants in these areas. “Nearly 50 kilogram disinfectants solution was sprayed in these areas. All the sanitation workers with power sprayers wearing full body PPE (Hazmat suit) sanitised the identified hotspots,” he said.
“As Nizamuddin Markaz is biggest hotspot, special disinfection drives are being conducted on regular basis. The special squad of 11 sanitation workers are deputed to clean and sanitise the Markaz building and its surrounding areas,” he said, adding that the team included sweeping personal, disinfectant personal, garbage disposal squad and transportation staff.
The official said the Markaz building was also cleaned thoroughly and 200 kg of untreated garbage was collected and dispatched for incineration to waste to energy plant.
