No case of variant that’s driving Covid surge in China: Delhi CM Kejriwal

He also said the health department is conducting genome sequencing of all positive cases being reported in the city. He added that testing capacity and other Covid-related infrastructure have been amplified: “We have the capacity of conducting 1 lakh tests. We have around 8,000 Covid-dedicated beds for now.  In the last wave, we had around 25,000 beds and this time, if required, we can procure around 36,000 beds.”

On the oxygen shortage witnessed last year, he said the city now has enough storage capacity for oxygen as well. “Last time, we had an issue with storing oxygen. Now, we have the capacity of storing 928 mt tonne oxygen. We have 6,000 oxygen cylinders in reserve if needed. In 2021, we did not have tankers to procure oxygen from other states. Now we have 15 tankers to procure oxygen,” he added.

Kejriwal requested the public to take the precaution dose, adding that only 24% of people have been vaccinated with it. “First and second doses have been provided to almost 100%. I request people to take the precaution dose. During the meeting, we again discussed another door-to-door campaign to give the precaution dose to people,” he said.

He said that currently, the city has around 380 ambulances and an order has been placed for more.

At the meeting with officials, the CM asked them to check and ensure that machines and equipment related to Covid treatment at various Delhi government hospitals are functioning. According to a senior official, as machines and equipment related to Covid treatment have not been in frequent use for more than one-and-a-half years now, hospitals will have to inform the health department about how many of those are under annual maintenance contract (AMC) and the ones that require an AMC. As the machines go through wear and tear, the official said it has to be checked if they are fully functional.

Officials also need to ensure that liquid oxygen plants remain functional as they have high maintenance and operation cost. “Extra manpower will be kept ready, tenders will be awarded as and when needed. We will see which infrastructure needs to be revamped, including Bipap, liquid concentrators, oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen tanks,” said the official. “We now have enough experience and the CM has asked us to tie up with suppliers of liquid oxygen as soon as possible,” the official added.

During the meeting, it was also decided that patients with flu admitted to hospitals will also be tested for Covid. According to a senior official, the health department is mulling over starting RT-PCR testing in remote mohalla clinics as well.

Over the last 24 hours, Delhi recorded 10 cases out of over 2,400 people who were tested. One death was also recorded. According to official data, since October this year, 53% of deaths among those who had Covid were due to the disease, while the remaining were due to co-morbid conditions. While 24% people have taken the precaution dose, the uptake is more among healthcare workers –62% — and those above the age of 60 — 48%.