国际英语新闻:No plan for lockdown in Indian capital over COVID-19: Delhi chief minister

NEW DELHI, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that the Indian capital city region will not go in lockdown again in wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases.

The announcement was made by Kejriwal following a meeting with top officials over a huge spike in COVID-19 cases.

"Cases are spreading fast. This is concerning but there is nothing to panic about. We (government) are keeping a very close eye on the developments," he said. "As of now, there is no plan to implement a lockdown. Should there be a need in future, we will discuss with the people and take a necessary decision. But as of now, no lockdown."

The chief minister said the ongoing wave of COVID-19 is the fourth in Delhi and was less serious than previous ones.

"In October, when daily cases were around 3,000-4,000 like it is now, there were many patients in ICU. There were many deaths as well. But this wave is less serious than the previous ones. More people are under home isolation," he said.

"The difference between the first few and the fourth wave is that lots are getting treated in home quarantine itself."

Kejriwal had called the urgent meeting with the local health minister and other officials on Thursday as the city reported 2,790 new COVID-19 cases, its highest daily figure this year, along with nine deaths.

The chief minister emphasized on testing, tracking and isolating, and urged people to wear masks again.

"I am urging with folded hands to bring back masks," he said.