The Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, has stated that the government is closely monitoring the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the national capital and is prepared to face any situation that may arise. Although three deaths have been reported in the last four to five days, it has been determined that these fatalities were due to severe co-morbidities, and COVID-19 may have been incidental. Kejriwal assured the public that the city government is taking all necessary steps and there is no need to worry at present. On Thursday, Delhi recorded 295 fresh COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 12.48%, while two COVID-related deaths were reported on Wednesday. The government is conducting genome sequencing of all samples that tested positive for COVID-19 to identify any new variants. The predominant variant currently is XBB.1.16, which spreads rapidly but is not severe. Kejriwal also mentioned that all adults in Delhi have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and all eligible individuals below the age of 18 have received their second dose. The Delhi government hospitals have been directed to maintain isolation wards for COVID-19 patients, and there are enough beds, ambulances, sufficient oxygen, and storage capacity available. The government labs have the capacity to conduct 4,000 RT-PCR tests per day, while private facilities can conduct up to a lakh tests per day. Random testing is being conducted on two percent of passengers at the airport. Although some samples from sewage have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 15 days, the government has sufficient capacity to handle the situation.
