Third wave of COVID-19 hits Delhi; massive surge expected by evening

The third wave of Covid-19 has started in the national capital, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Wednesday morning. Around 10,000 cases are expected by evening, he added.

"The Covid cases can jump to close 10,000 today with the infection rate nearing 10 per cent by today evening in Delhi", said the Minister. Considering the rising number of daily cases, it is obvious that the third wave has started, he said.

On Tuesday, Delhi reported 5,481 fresh Covid cases. This is the highest single-day spike since May 16, 2021, when 6,456 cases were reported.

Though only 2 per cent of beds are occupied in government hospitals thus far, private hospitals have been instructed to reserve 40 per cent of beds for Covid patients as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, a war room has been prepared where one can avail all information on available beds, oxygen and other details, he added.

The transmissibility of the variant is highest, and the number of Omicron positive cases are rising exponentially, the Delhi government said in a circular issued by the Directorate General of Health Services on Tuesday.

"Therefore, the keepers of all private hospitals, nursing homes having total bed capacity of 50 beds or more are directed to reserve at least 40 per cent of their total bed capacity, 40 per cent of Ward Bed capacity and 40 per cent of ICU bed capacity for COVID patients", the circular added.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also tested positive for Covid on Tuesday. He is fine and in isolation, Jain informed.