New Delhi, Mar 30 (IANS): The Delhi government has asked city hospitals to hire private vehicles as per requirement for providing transportation to health officials till April 14, due to lack of public transport amid the national lockdown.

In an order issued on Monday, the Health Department said the hired vehicles must have a banner "emergency duty for COVID-19 Health and Family Welfare Department, Delhi government".

The order has been issued after it came to light that the officials working in Delhi government hospitals/institutions are unable to reach their places of duty.

"All Heads of Department/Deans are hearby directed to hire private vehicles as per their requirement for providing transportation (to and from) services to officers/officials working under their jurisdiction on emergent basis till April 14," the order said.

In Delhi, while the number of DTC buses on road has been reduced by half, Delhi Metro and inter-state buses have been completely shut during the 21-day lockdown due to coronavirus scare.

All non-essential services have been stopped and people have been asked to stay indoor. However, those in essential services have to work.