COVID-19: Delhi minister calls meet on wholesale markets

New Delhi, March 18 Delhi Cabinet Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday called a board meeting of all the 'mandis' (wholesale markets) in the national capital and directed officials to make appropriate arrangements to deal with coronavirus.

"Shutting the mandis will not be a wise decision as food is an essential commodity. However, direction has been issued to ensure that mass gatherings are checked and also that all appropriate arrangements to deal with coronavirus are being made," an official told .

The officials have also been directed to carry out awareness drives in the markets.

During the meeting, it was also decided that the Delhi government will soon set up a new fruit and vegetable market in Tikri Khampur.

Eight cases, including one COVID-19 death, has been reported in Delhi.

The government on Tuesday had launched awareness campaigns at three major wholesale markets Azadpur, Gazipur and Okhla.

( With inputs from IANS )