Restrictions will be lifted as cases decline, says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

The Chief Minister said the third wave is mild as compared to the second, when the spike in hospitalisations had overwhelmed the healthcare system and left many patients in the lurch.

“We are dealing with a very mild wave. The second wave witnessed in April last year was very dangerous and scary,” he said. “During the second wave, only people with Covid symptoms, low oxygen levels were admitted to hospitals. However, this time many cases admitted to hospitals are patients with comorbidities like cancer, hypertension, diabetes, chronic disease and respiratory issues. Cases are mild but it is spreading very fast… at present, we see fewer hospitalisations but the government has the capacity to provide 36,000 beds and 11,000 ICU/oxygen beds if the need arises.”

“There are enough beds, oxygen, medicines (at LNJP Hospital). The number of people being admitted is less as compared to the second wave,” he said.

Kejriwal said around 22,000 Covid patients admitted to the hospital have recovered so far. “It is the only hospital in Delhi that provides treatment to pregnant women. It has not denied admission to any woman and has so far treated 700 pregnant women, including Covid positive patients.”

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority had on Monday decided to close restaurants and bars for dining but allowed takeaway and delivery of food. On Tuesday, it announced the shutting of all private offices, except those involved in essential activities.

The government has also requested the Centre to impose similar curbs in NCR regions, including Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurgaon.