The aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Sunday countered Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s announcement about ban of domestic flights in and out of Delhi.

“Domestic flights to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport shall continue to operate and the airport shall remain functional,” DGCA clarifies.

In a press conference sharing the stage with Lieutenant Governor, Arvind Kejriwal said, “We have been fortunate in our country, the virus came late. We had the advantage of watching and learning from the experiences of Italy and China. But if we still cannot take the right step at the right time, we would never forgive ourselves.”  “Extraordinary times require for extraordinary measures,” he added.

“For preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 outbreak, directions have been issued for lockdown in the whole territorial jurisdiction of the National Capital Territory of Delhi from 6 am on Monday to March 31,” Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal announced.

Arvind Kejriwal also confirmed the news of lockdown later on twitter by saying, “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Delhi will be under lockdown from tomorrow 6 AM until 31st March. Certain exceptions have been made to ensure essential items are available for purchase and basic services continue to operate.”

Assuring assistance to those who are in need of food, Kejriwal said, “We are providing 72 lakh people free ration, doubling pensions. In addition to this, I urge all employers to provide paid leave, incl to domestic helps. Not only is this a compassionate gesture, it is essential for our economy to survive.”

Delhi was placed under complete lockdown till March 31 due to the deadly coronavirus.

Delhi Metro, malls, gyms are closed and the government has sealed the borders to avoid and passage of traffic. Delhi Police have imposed prohibitory orders across the city, banning gatherings of more than four people in the city.

As of now, the deadly virus has killed over 11,000 globally. In India, there are nearly 350 cases reported positive of the virus.