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hief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal extended the lockdown in the National Capital till 5 am on May 17 with the same restrictions. Even the Delhi metro facility has been suspended. CM Kejriwal said that the extension is meant to ensure that the Delhi does not let its guard down even though the Covid cases have dropped marginally during the pandemic.

Mr Kejriwal said, "The positivity rate has gone down but still we can't afford leniency. We need to extend the lockdown." While the Covid cases stood at nearly 35 per cent in mid-April, they have dropped to approximately 23 per cent, doctors stated that even this is very tough time and there is a need to completely break the chain of rapidly increasing transmission.

The total number of cases in Delhi are 13,10,231 of which 87,907 are fresh cases. The total number of fatalities is nearly 19,071. The city recorded a positivity rate of 23.34 per cent and fatality rate of 1.46 per cent.

This would be the fourth week of the curfew imposed in National Capital as the Covid numbers skyrocketed bringing hospitals to their knees and patients and doctors to look for help for oxygen, beds and drugs due to shortage of equipment.

CM also added in his statement, "During the lockdown we utilised the time to enhance our healthcare infrastructure. The main issue in Delhi was oxygen shortage. With Centre's help, the condition is better now." Amid a bitter argument with the Centre over the oxygen availability in the Delhi High Court, the SC  had taken up the issue and ordered the formation of a 12-member National Task Force to assess manufacturing and distribution of medical oxygen.

The court had stated, "We expect leading experts in the country shall associate with the Task Force, as members and resource persons," in its final order on Friday.

The shortage of oxygen cylinders was flagged not just by the city but also by many other states as they are facing the same problem and six High Courts have been hearing Covid related issues. Many patients died due to shortage of equipment amid crisis.