How do Delhi's coronavirus quarantine facilities fare up?
In a bid to limit community transmission of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), India has made it mandatory for people arriving from certain virus-hit countries to face a 14-day quarantine. Across Delhi, eight new quarantine facilities have been set up, including three luxury hotels near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Let's take a look at how these facilities fare up.
Where are these eight facilities located?
The eight facilities include five housing individuals for free: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) apartments in Narela, DDA apartments in Sultanpur, a Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) apartment and a police training academy in Dwarka, and a Dharamshala in Chhatarpur, Hindustan Times reported. The government also established paid quarantine facilities at three Aerocity hotels—Lemon Tree, Red Fox, IBIS—for Rs. 3,100/day (excluding taxes).
Passports taken from people in quarantine
These quarantine facilities are intended for those who are suspected of having contracted the virus, however, do not show any symptoms. Two divisional magistrates in charge of separate facilities told HT that the passports of occupants have been seized by immigration officials amid fears that they may escape. They added that police personnel in HAZMAT suits have been deployed at these facilities.
At Narela facility, 'floors covered with layers of dust'
An individual who arrived from Germany quarantined at Narela's DDA Apartments told HT, "The floors are covered with layers of dust. Large parts of the facility are under construction. How can one live under such conditions?" Meanwhile, DDA Vice Chairperson Tarun Kapoor said the apartments were unoccupied and they were given 48 hours to convert them into isolation centers.
'Did our best; guests have electricity, water, beds, etc.'
Kapoor said, "We did our best. These flats have electricity, water, and sewer connections. We have also provided the guests with beds, mattresses, towels, toiletries, and other essentials." He added, "However, there are no geysers in these flats. So, warm water is sent to them by our staff on individual requests through buckets. We are providing people with every facility they need there."
Things are pretty clean: Student isolated at Chhatarpur dharamshala
However, a student who arrived from Paris and has been lodged at the Jain Dharamshala in Chhatarpur told HT, "Things are pretty clean and there is not much to complain about. Above all, it's my health and protection from the virus that matters."
Police training academy in Dwarka 'disgusting', 'another health hazard'
Separately, DUSIB member Bipin Rai told HT that their Dwarka facility has rooms with water connections, functional toilets, clean mattresses, sheets, and all essential things. The second facility in Dwarka, a police training academy, however, was termed "disgusting" by an occupant. "The toilets are in a bad shape and can be another health hazard," said a student who returned from Spain, quarantined at the facility.
'Shows conditions under which officers live and get trained'
The student added, "There is a security issue as most bathroom doors are broken. It also shows under what conditions police officers in the country have to live and get trained." District Magistrate (Southwest Delhi) Rahul Singh, "We hardly had 24 hours to set up the facility. We cleaned the buildings and did our best to make all the essentials things available."
People camped at Dwarka police academy shift to paid hotels
Singh said that most of the people staying at the police academy have since opted to be quarantined at the paid hotels, adding that they are working to improve conditions at the facility. The student from Spain has also shifted to the hotel.
3 dead in India due to COVID-19
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city in December. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It attacks a host's respiratory system and causes flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, it may lead to pneumonia, multiple organ failure or death. In India, 147 coronavirus cases, including foreigners, have been reported. Among them, 3 have died and 14 have been cured.
