File Image

All schools, colleges and cinema halls in Delhi will be closed till March 31 after WHO declared coronavirus a pandemic. The Delhi government has invoked the Epidemic Act to tackle coronavirus spread. India's total coronavirus positive cases stand at 73, out of which 3 have recovered, a top health ministry official informed today. However, schools, colleges or centers conducting CBSE Board exams will remain open. The national capital has so far recorded six cases of coronavirus.

Earlier, the Indian government on Wednesday night canceled visa facility for everyone, virtually sealing India from the outside world. The news also brings bad news for aviation sector as several airlines cancelled their flights. Meanwhile, Sensex and Nifty were in red as investors crores of money.

Arvind Kejriwal announces: Delhi schools, colleges, cinema halls shut till March 31

"All cinema halls to remain shut in Delhi till 31st March. Schools and colleges where exams are not being held will also remain closed," Kejriwal told reporters today. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting attended by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, LG Anil Baijal and top government officials. The city government also declared coronavirus an epidemic. Kejriwal said disinfecting all public places, including government and private offices and shopping malls has been made compulsory.

Delhi Govt invokes Epidemic act amid Coronavirus pandemic

All cinema halls will be closed in Delhi till March 31

All schools and colleges will be shut in Delhi till March 31

All kinds of public gatherings cancelled till March 31

CARNIVAL CINEMAS' ON CLOSURE OF CINEMA HALLS IN DELHI:

The impact of coronavirus on the business and on general life shall be significant. We support the cause of prevention of COVID 19. Carnival Cinemas is taking all the possible precautions like hand sanitizers at all entry and exit levels, gloves and better hygiene measures at all our outlets, regional and head offices. Our staff has been briefed on how to handle the situation in case of emergency.

The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and what it means

The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, provides for the better prevention of the spread of dangerous epidemic diseases. It extends to the whole of India except some territories.

Power to take special measures and prescribe regulations as to dangerous epidemic disease.—(1) When at any time the [State Government] is satisfied that [the State] or any part thereof is visited by, or threatened with, an outbreak of any dangerous epidemic disease, the [State Government], if [it] thinks that the ordinary provisions of the law for the time being in force are insufficient for the purpose, may take, or require or empower any person to take, such me asures and, by public notice, prescribe such temporary regulations to be observed by the public or by any person or class of persons as [it] shall deem necessary to prevent the outbreak of such disease or the spread thereof, and may determine in what manner and by whom any expenses incurred (including compensation if any) shall be defrayed. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, the 7 [State Government] may take measures and prescribe regulations for—(b) the inspection of persons travelling by railway or otherwise, and the segregation, in hospital, temporary accommodation or otherwise, of persons suspected by the inspecting officer of being infected

with any such disease. 2A. Powers of Central Government.—When the Central Government is satisfied that India or any part thereof is visited by, or threatened with, an outbreak of any dangerous epidemic disease and that the ordinary provisions of the law for the time being in force are insuffici ent to prevent the outbreak of such disease or the spread thereof, the Central Government may take measures and prescribe regulations for the inspection of any ship or vessel leaving or arriving at any port in 2 [the territories to which this Act extends] and for such detention thereof, or of any person intending to sail therein, or arriving thereby, as may be necessary. 3. Penalty.—Any person disobeying any regulation or order made under this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860). 4. Protection to persons acting under Act.—No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything done or in good faith intended to be done under this Act.

ALSO READ: Delhi invokes epidemic act to fight COVID-19. Here's what it means

ALSO READ | PM Modi's advice on Coronavirus: Avoid non-essential travel abroad, take precautions, don't panic

ALSO READ | Coronavirus difficult to isolate, developing vaccine may take up to 2 yrs: Health Ministry

RELATED VIDEO:

Latest News on Coronavirus

Latest India News

Fight against Coronavirus: Full coverage