Kejriwal asks centre to allow booster shots: ‘Genome test for all positive samples’

The national capital recorded 91 Covid cases on Monday at a positivity rate of 0.2% — the last time Delhi had a 0.2% positivity rate was June 22.

“About 99% of the people are vaccinated with the first dose and 70% with the second dose. We have all facilities and arrangements to start the booster dose drive in the city. Only the central government can take a decision regarding this, so I request them to allow booster doses for all those who have been vaccinated with both doses. We have complete infrastructure to administer booster doses. We can start with our healthcare workers and then the rest of the population,” said Kejriwal. He asked people not to panic and assured that his government is prepared with beds, medicines and oxygen to fight a potential third wave or more Omicron cases. “Experts believe the Omicron variant is not that dangerous and has mild symptoms. We assessed the impact and problems posed by the variant with experts. Experts have informed us that the Omicron variant spreads rapidly but is very mild in nature. One might get fever and other mild symptoms; the need for hospitalisation is very low overall and chances of death are very low. The government is fully prepared to fight Covid,” said Kejriwal.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has decided to focus on strengthening the home isolation programme, and Kejriwal will conduct a review meeting on December 23.

“After discussion with experts, we have come to the conclusion that this time, home isolation would be needed at large. We have thus decided to further enhance and bolster our home isolation programme,” said Kejriwal.

He urged people to follow Covid protocol and wear masks. “It has been observed that people aren’t wearing masks in public places. I request and appeal to all… to please wear masks at all times..,” he said