Testing To Be Doubled, Says CM Arvind Kejriwal As Delhi Witnesses Spike In Covid-19 Cases Again

The chief minister said that the government has issued directions for stringent enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines, adding that everyone should wear face mask and maintain social distancing at public places.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday vowed to double the testing rate for Covid-19 in the national capital as daily once again witnesses record spike in the number of new cases of the coronavirus disease. After witnessing a slight decline, daily cases in Delhi have gone up to 1,500 again from the past few days. While addressing a press conference in the national capital, Kejriwal said, "Delhi has seen a marginal rise in the number of cases in the last few days, though other numbers are in control. In the coming days, we will double the testing for the coronavirus testing." At present, 20,000 tests are being conducted per day in the city which will now be increased to 40,000 a day. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal had called a high-level meeting to discuss the rising number of coronavirus cases in Delhi. The chief minister said that the government has issued directions for stringent enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines, adding that everyone should wear face mask and maintain social distancing at public places. He said that after August 17, there has been a marginal increase in COVID-19 cases in the national capital. In the last 24 hours, 1,693 new COVD-19 cases have been reported in Delhi, he said, adding that the government has a total of 14,130 COVID beds and of those, 10,448 are vacant. "Only 3,700 COVID beds have so far been occupied by coronavirus patients and of these, 2,900 are occupied by Delhiites and 800 by those from other states," Kejriwal said. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief also asserted that no death of any COVID-19 patient, who is under home isolation, has been reported in Delhi since July 14. He also warned people who are avoiding getting tested. “Those who have symptoms and are not getting tested because of overconfidence are leading to more coronavirus cases. Testing is essential if there are symptoms,” said Kejriwal on Wednesday. Delhi CM also stated that the recovery rate in national capital is good while the mortality rate has gone down to 1.4 per cent. Kejriwal also pointed out that out of 14,000 beds, over 10,000 are lying empty. He also said that currently 2,900 Delhi locals are undergoing treatment at hospitals while 800 patients from outside Delhi are also admitted.