New Delhi, Mar 31 (IANS): The Delhi government will now have 2,500 food distribution centres, up from 500, to ensure social distancing against coronavirus.

Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal on Tuesday has asked the government to increase the number of these centres, the Raj Niwas said in a statement.

Baijal reviewed the ongoing measures to contain COVID-19 with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain. Delhi officers were also part of the meeting held on video conference.

Baijal directed them to ensure social distancing.

"The Lt. Governor stated that ensuring social distancing is our topmost priority at the moment. It was observed that there have been reports about violations of social distancing norms at some food distribution centres.

"It was agreed to increase the number of food distribution centres from present 500 to 2,500 centres, so that social distancing is adhered to effectively," the Raj Niwas said.

Baijal has directed the district administration and police to keep strict watch on social distancing and home quarantine.

He has asked the authorities to take deterrent action against the violators.

"The Health Department will prepare for the expansion of hospitals beds/ICU beds, procurement of testing kits, Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs), ventilators, nebulizers and medicines to cope with overload," Baijal said.

He instructed all concerned authorities that Home Quarantine has to be strictly monitored and technology should be used for its effective monitoring to stop further spread.

At present, more than 20,000 homes (in Delhi) have been identified by the government for home quarantine. Baijal directed that the medical staff should visit all home quarantine cases for effective surveillance.

He advised Standard Operation Procedure for tracking those who are discharged from hospitals, isolation centres or home quarantine.

So far, Delhi has reported about 100 coronavirus cases and two deaths.