Actively donate plasma, Kejriwal appeals to those cured of COVID-19
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said that very little plasma is available in stock for treating COVID-19 patients, and appealed to those who have recovered from the virus to actively donate it. Amidst a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, 14 hospitals in the national capital were converted into COVID-19-only facilities on Monday. Here are more details.
Planned surgeries can be delayed for two to three months
The Chief Minister said that planned surgeries like knee replacement can be delayed for two to three months and stressed that there is enough capacity for emergency surgeries. He also said that over 13,500 cases have been reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours.
65 percent of COVID-19 patients are aged below 45 years
Kejriwal said, "This wave is very dangerous. As per the data of the last 10-15 days, 65 percent of patients are below 45 years of age. Your health and life is very important to us." "So, I would like to appeal to the youth to step out of the house only when it is necessary and follow all COVID-19 protocols," he added.
During previous waves, people actively donated plasma: Kejriwal
Kejriwal said, "During the previous waves, people actively donated plasma. When the situation improved, there was less demand for plasma and subsequently, the donations went down. Now the cases have again risen and there is very little plasma available in stock." "I appeal to those who have recovered from the virus to actively donate plasma and aid the fight against the virus," he added.
Banquet halls are being attached with big hospitals
The Chief Minister said, "We are attaching banquet halls with big hospitals. Hospitals will only have serious patients. We have declared few hospitals as 100 percent COVID-19 facility." "We are also checking each patient admitted in hospital to see if their condition permits them to be treated at home so beds can be utilized for patients with severe conditions," he added.
101 private hospitals directed to reserve 60% of ward beds
A total of 3,202 beds in wards and 1,135 ICU beds have been reserved for only coronavirus patients in 14 private hospitals. The Health Department of Delhi has also directed 101 private hospitals to reserve 60% of the total beds in wards. This is the third time in two weeks the government issued an order on beds.
Delhi Government added 230 ICU beds in 33 private hospitals
On March 31, the Aam Aadmi Party-led government added 230 ICU beds and 842 normal beds in 33 private hospitals. On April 5, 54 private hospitals were ordered to dedicate more beds.
