Malls shut, not grocery shops, pharmacies: Kejriwal

 Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced immediate closure of all malls in the national capital, with exception for grocery and vegetable shops and pharmacies.

"In view of the prevailing situation, we are closing down all malls (except grocery, pharmacy and vegetable shops within these)," Kejriwal tweeted.

The government has closed all non-essential services in Delhi till March 31 in view of the coronavirus cases in the city.

"Only essential public dealings will continue. All non-essential staff are being directed to work from home. All permanent and contractual employees will be paid for this period," the government said.

Kejriwal also held a meeting with the Medical Superintendents of all Delhi government hospitals.

"If coronavirus spreads in future, our hospitals should be prepared to deal with such a situation -- all machines should be working, adequate ventilators, adequate medicines and consumables, manpower etc," Kejriwal said in another tweet.

The Delhi government has already shut all cinemas, public swimming pools, dine-in at restaurants, schools, colleges and clubs.

It has barred gatherings of more than 20 persons at one place. Earlier, the limit was 50 persons. IANS