Delhi government keeping eye on Covid situation, says CM Kejriwal

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that his administration is keeping an eye on the spike in Covid-19 cases. He added that the government is "prepared to face any eventuality."

In the last 4-5 days, the national capital region reported three deaths and all of them had very severe comorbidities. Kejriwal said that the assessment of the victims showed that the fatalities were due to the co-morbidities and perhaps Covid infection was "incidental" but one cannot say that.

On Thursday alone, the city recorded 295 Covid-19 cases with a positivity of 12.48%. On Wednesday, 300 cases were reported. This is the first occurrence since August 31. Two fatalities were also reported on Wednesday. Kejriwal added that genome sequencing of all Covid positive samples is being conducted to identify new variants, if any. At the moment, XBB.1.16 is the predominant variant which is responsible for 48% of positive cases. "It spreads rapidly but is not severe at all."

"We had also conducted testing of samples drawn from sewage and, till mid-February, the Covid positivity result was zero. But in the last 15 days, some samples have turned out positive. On March 15, the daily case count was 42 and in 15 days it jumped to 295," he added.

Speaking to the media after a review meeting, he said there was no need to worry for now and the city government is taking all required steps. He further said that the government hospitals in the city had been directed to maintain isolation wards for Covid patients. "We have enough beds, ambulances, sufficient oxygen, and storage capacity as of now. We have 7,986 Covid beds. These include oxygen beds, ventilator beds, and ICU beds. Only 66 are occupied as of now."

When asked about regulations related to masks, he said the Delhi government has received no guidelines from the Centre. "When we receive it, we will take action accordingly."