Delhi reported 107 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since 25 June, almost six months ago. As per the Delhi government’s health bulletin, the positivity rate for the day stands at 0.17%, which is the highest since June 22. One death was also recorded, taking the toll to 25,101. The case fatality rate is 1.74%. As many as 61,905 tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate for the day stands at 0.17%. On 25 June, 115 infections were recorded and the positivity rate of 0.19% was reported on June 22. India has so far recorded 150 cases of Omicron variant.
As Delhi recorded 107 fresh COVID-19 cases which is the highest in six months, a health expert said the spike could be due to the Omicron variant. Speaking to ANI, Community Medicine Professor, AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr Sanjay Rai said, “The infectivity of Omicron variant is very high. When it goes to a susceptible population, then it will rise and fall quickly just like it happened in the second wave. It is a natural phenomenon and we need to watch it closely.”
Meanwhile, AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria said on Sunday that in view of rising Covid-19 cases in the United Kingdom, India should prepare itself for any eventuality. “We should prepare and hope that things are not as bad as in the United Kingdom. We need more data on Omicron. Whenever there is a surge in cases in other parts of the world, we need to monitor it closely and be prepared for any eventuality. It is better to stay prepared than to get caught off-guard,” said Guleria while talking to ANI.
Following the increasing cases of new Covid-19 Omicron variant in Delhi, 65 oxygen beds have been prepared at the Commonwealth Games Village’s COVID care centre, said Dr Rajat Jain, President of NGO ‘Doctors For You’ on Sunday. The makeshift hospital has also been operational. The Delhi government had given the responsibility of makeshift hospitals to the Doctors For You foundation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Jain said, “COVID-19 cases are increasing again, but there is not much concern at present. After getting instructions from the Delhi government, the COVID care centre at Commonwealth village has prepared 65 oxygen beds. If needed, we can also prepare 500 such beds in just two days.”
Citing an example of the devastating situation during the second wave of coronavirus, he said, “We have learned a lot from the second wave, Delhi faced acute shortage of oxygen. Therefore, we have three oxygen plants with 1000 LPM capacity at present. Through these plants, oxygen can be given 24 hours on around 300 beds.”
“Apart from these, about 1000 oxygen cylinders have been kept in backup, along with an oxygen concentrator on each bed,” he added.
Further, the Doctors For You President informed that this makeshift hospital has been attached with the LNJP hospital of the Delhi government.
“Serious patients have been sent to LNJP hospital from here. There is a ratio of 80-20 for normal beds and BiPAP ( bi-level positive airway pressure). So, we are also arranging for 20 beds with BiPAP on every 100 beds,” Jain said.
Apart from Common Wealth Games Village, 50 beds have also been kept on standby in Yamuna Sports Complex. He said that the Doctors For You ran about 40 makeshift hospitals across the country during the second wave.
He said that the laboratory facility is also being built here in collaboration with corporate partners for COVID and other related tests. “This entire system will be made available to people here free of cost,” Jain stated.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority along with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other important officials of the government will hold a review meeting on Monday at 11.30 am, said an official notification by DDMA.