‘Outsiders’ increasing the COVID-19 cases in the Capital- Delhi Minister

• Aggressive testing of people, 25-30% of whom were not residents of the capital.
• Most patients from other states arrive here in severe condition.
• Delhi is undertaking 50,000-60,000 COVID tests regularly

New Delhi, THDNewsDesk: On Tuesday, Health Minister Satyendar Jain stated that aggressive Covid-19 testing of people, 25-30% of whom were not residents of the capital were increasing the numbers. It was noted, on the same day when 99 COVID deaths were reported, for the second consecutive day with 6,396 new cases.

He stated, “There are many patients who are from outside but give the address of their relatives in Delhi to get tested here. we can’t say no to anyone for testing or treating them.” He further added that most patients from other states arrive here in severe condition.

Till Tuesday, the number of COVID-19 stood at 1,06,991 in November. It was the highest number of new cases in a month. It exceeded the previous highest number recorded in October. However, since October, the number of tests taken daily has also surged. Overall, 8,47,727 tests have taken place in November. The overall positivity rate is 12.8%

Jain stated that Delhi was undertaking 50,000-60,000 tests regularly, being the highest in the nation. Approximately 29% of the capital’s population had already tested themselves. He further stated that the positivity rate was decreasing than the number of new cases, which becomes more significant.

This month, 1,301 people have already been surrendered to COVID-19. It was the highest since June recorded 2,269 deaths marking the first wave of the pandemic. July witnessed 1,221 deaths and had fallen to 481 in August. It then surged to 917 in September and 1150 in October.

Jain stated, “The overall death rate is 1.58%, which is close to the national average of 1.48%. At one point in time, Delhi’s death rate was 3.5-4%. In the last 10 days, the ratio was around 1%. However, even one death is not right. The number of patients has increased. While there are 9000 patients in hospitals, the death rate is around1%.”

The Minister further added, “There are 16,500 beds reserved for COVID-19 patients. Even now, around 8,000 beds are vacant. Occupancy in private hospitals has gone up because many people coming from outside go there. The upper and upper-middle-class residents of Delhi, who have insurance, also prefer to go to private hospitals.”

On Sunday, Delhi Government has pleaded with Union Home Minister Amit Shah for increasing the number of beds in a meeting. The Central Government has agreed to supply 750-1000 beds.

Source-Times Of India