The ongoing lockdown in Delhi has been extended for another week, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced Sunday.

He said it will be harsher this time around and the Delhi Metro will not operate for at least a week.

“I have spoken to traders, women, youth and many others over the past few days. Everyone believes that while cases have come down, they are not at the level where the lockdown can be lifted otherwise what we have gained will be lost. So the lockdown is being extended for another week. This time, it will be a little stricter and the Metro will not operate,” Kejriwal said.

Metro services were running at 50% capacity and at 30-minute intervals during the morning and evening peak hours. At other times, the interval between trains was an hour. Standing passengers were not allowed.

Delhi first announced a week-long lockdown this year on April 19. It has been extended every Sunday since, as cases and positivity rate refused to dip.

Essential services will be available during the lockdown and those with medical emergencies will not be stopped.

Last week, the Delhi L-G had written to the police commissioner and chief secretary, asking that the lockdown imposition be harsher as a lot of people were flouting guidelines.

Delhi saw over 17,000 cases on Saturday, down from the previous week’s daily average of 23,000.