5 Day Institutional Quarantine now Mandatory for COVID-19 Positive Patients in New Delhi

Until yesterday, COVID-19 patients who were pre-symptomatic or had mild symptoms were advised to self-quarantine themselves at their homes by staying in a separate room and using a separate toilet. This was as per a notice issued last month.

Over the last couple of weeks, the COVID-19 cases are notable on the rise in the National Capital, following this development the Lieutenant Governor of New Delhi, Anil Baijal on 19^th June 2020 had made 5 days institutional quarantine mandatory for all positive patients of Covid-19.

Earlier on 19^th June, in a high committee meeting comprising of officials from the Delhi Government along with Dr. V.K Paul (NITI Aayog member) and the Director of AIIMS, the charges were fixed for ICU facilities and isolation beds in the National Capital.

Steps taken by the Government to Restrict the Outbreak of the Pandemic in New Delhi

Citing a spike in Covid-19 cases, the government has made an estimate earlier during the first week of June 2020 that by the end of July 2020, there might be 5.5 lakh positive cases in New Delhi.

The Union Home Ministry along with the Delhi Government decided to scale up the testing during the second week of June 2020. From 5,947 samples being tested on 12^th June, on 19^th June a total of 13,047 samples were tested.

On 18^th June it was also informed that 169 facilities are being set up at the National Capital to conduct 6 lakh rapid antigen Covid-19 tests. The Central Government has also ensured that 500 plus ventilators and 650 Ambulances will be provided to the hospitals and quarantine centers across the New Delhi.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2020