India: Delhi authorities announce new lockdown measures June 1 /update 35

Event

On Monday, June 1, Delhi authorities announced a series of new measures for the city-wide lockdown, in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. While many measures have been eased, with all shops open and no more restrictions regarding the number of people permitted in taxis and private vehicles, some new restrictions have been implemented. The city's spas have been closed, and the Delhi government announced that its borders have been closed until at least June 8, following a rise in COVID-19 cases. However, exemptions are in place for commercial vehicles and essential workers with appropriate travel permits.

As of June 1, there have been 197,264 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India, with 5577 associated fatalities, of which 18,549 cases and 416 fatalities have been in Delhi. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantine measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.