Set up helplines informing about availability of hospital beds: Baijal
What's the story
In the wake of an exponential rise in coronavirus cases in Delhi, Lt. Governor Anil Baijal on Friday directed officers to set up helplines that inform the availability of beds in hospitals besides establishing help desks to assist patients and attendants, an official said.
Baijal highlighted the requirement of coordinated efforts from agencies and stakeholders to contain the surge of coronavirus in Delhi.
Direction
Officers directed to ensure aggressive enforcement during peak hours
The LG also directed officers to ensure aggressive deployment and enforcement in areas in peak hours.
"The LG asked Chief Secretary Vijay Dev to ensure setting up of helplines that inform the availability of beds in hospitals apart from displaying the same on government portals. He also directed to set up help desks to assist patients and attendants in every hospital," the official said.
Cases
Delhi recorded 16,699 COVID-19 cases and 112 fatalities on Thursday
As the number of COVID-19 cases and the positivity rate continue to rise in the city, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday had announced a weekend curfew and the closure of malls, gymnasiums and auditoriums till April 30 as part of sweeping restrictions to break the chain of coronavirus.
Delhi recorded 16,699 COVID-19 cases and 112 fatalities on Thursday, according to the health department.
Information
Delhi reported its highest single-day spike on Wednesday
The positivity rate soared to 20.22 percent, the highest to date in Delhi. The city had registered 17,282 new infections on Wednesday, its highest single-day spike to date. The number of cases has been on an upward spiral in the past few days.
Condition
Delhi is now India's worst-hit city by coronavirus
After reporting 17,282 fresh coronavirus cases on Wednesday, Delhi became the worst-affected Indian city. The National Capital has now surpassed Mumbai to get this title.
The Maharashtra capital's single-day peak so far is 11,163, recorded on April 4.
Neighboring Pune's highest single-day surge was recorded on the same day when 12,494 cases had come to the fore.