Delhi's fourth COVID-19 wave 'more dangerous', says Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that the current and fourth wave of COVID-19 in the national capital is more dangerous than before. Kejriwal said his government has flagged vaccine shortage and said that stocks would only last seven to 10 days. He also said that Delhi reported over 10,000 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, the biggest single-day spike.
10,732 new cases in Delhi: Kejriwal
Kejriwal said, "Till mid-March, there were less than 200 daily COVID-19 cases in the city. But in the last 24 hours, 10,732 cases were recorded." Delhi had reported 7,897 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday, and 8,521 new cases the day before. As of Saturday, Delhi reported a total of 7,14,423 infections, including 11,235 deaths and 6,74,415 recoveries.
Kejriwal not in favor of lockdown
Kejriwal said certain restrictions have been imposed and urged people to follow the norms. He said that he is not in the favor of a lockdown. A lockdown will only be imposed when Delhi's healthcare facilities collapse, he said.
'Asymptomatic people must home isolate'
The CM said that his government is focusing on hospital management. He asked people to approach government hospitals instead of private hospitals adding, "Those who are asymptomatic must home isolate." Private hospitals have a lesser number of hospital beds compared to government hospitals, he said. "I salute paramedics and nurses... who have been working for over a year," he added.
Kejriwal urged Centre to allow vaccinations for all ages
The CM also urged the Centre to allow vaccinations for all ages. Currently, only people above the age of 45 are allowed to be vaccinated. Earlier, health and frontline workers were allowed to be vaccinated, however, the Centre has stalled fresh registrations for them. The Delhi government is ready to conduct a door-to-door campaign, Kejriwal said.
AAP leader writes to PM for 'urgent vaccine universalization'
Raghav Chadha—a leader from Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)—has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding an "urgent need for vaccine universalization and vaccine nationalism." The leader highlighted the shortage of vaccines in several states.
Delhi government announced fresh curbs yesterday
On Saturday, the Delhi government announced new restrictions, banning all types of social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, and religious gatherings. Only up to 50 people are allowed to attend weddings and only up to 20 people are allowed to attend funerals. Restaurants, bars, and cinemas will operate at 50% of seating capacity. The new restrictions will remain in force till April 30.
