Delhi: 159 juveniles released as Covid-19 cases rise in capital

With a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the Capital, the Delhi government has taken the decision to release children from its juvenile homes.

The Delhi Women and Child Development minister, Rajendra Pal Gautam, who also looks after the Social Welfare department, told India Today that 159 minors residing in four child observation homes in Delhi have been released on bail, so far.

“There is a court order that states that those who do not have serious cases registered against them can be given bail to maintain social distance in the child observation homes. Apart from this, the minors who come here are quarantined for the first 14 days and only after that the entry is given to the minor,” said Rajendra Pal Gautam.

The minister also explained the steps being taken to protect the elderly in the Old Age Home and the staff working there from Covid-19. “Care is being taken to deal with coronavirus in the Old Age Home. The Old Age Home is constantly being sanitized. There are orders for the staff to follow the guidelines. The good thing is that so far there is not a single positive case in Child Observation Home or Old Age Home. Our department is also connected through WhatsApp and I am regularly getting updates,” said Rajendra Pal Gautam.