Delhi govt rushed into opening liquor shops despite city being in ‘red zone’: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday said Delhi government rushed into opening liquor shops at a time when national capital was still in ‘red zone’, adding it should review its decision in view of huge crowds outside se outlets which increases risk of spread of COVID-19. Many government-run liquor shops opened after over 40 days in national capital on Monday had to be shut as people who gared outside outlets did t follow social distancing rms, forcing police to use mild force to disperse unruly crowd.

In most areas including Burari, Mayur Vihar, Gandhi Vihar, Rohini and Janakpuri, a large number of people had lined up outside outlets.

"It would t be right and wise to continue with a decision, taken kwingly or unkwingly, as its adverse effects have already become apparent. Delhi government should review its decision," Vardhan said.

Expressing concern over relaxation of lockdown rms in national capital, health minister said till time Delhi is in red zone, minimum relaxations should be allowed and more stringent action needs to be implemented to curb transmission of COVID-19.

He said lockdown has helped in curbing spread of vel coronavirus infection to a large extent and doubling time of cases in country w stands at over 12 days.

"Our graph is steady and our doubling time of COVID-19 cases is over 12 per cent which before lockdown was around 3 days. Also, India’s mortality rate compared to or nations is less. recovery rate of patients in country has also seen a progressive rise,” he said.

death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 1,389 and number of cases climbed to 42,836 in country on Monday, registering an increase of 83 deaths and a record jump of 2,573 cases in last 24 hours, according to Union Health Ministry.

According to health ministry data, number of cases in Delhi rose to 4,549 on Monday.