BackRed Alert in Delhi? Here's what DDMA says on lockdown possibilities as Omicron cases surge
DDMA decided to strictly enforce existing restrictions and also discussed the possibility of imposing similar restrictions in National Capital Territory Region
PremiumDelhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Monday announced that there will be no lockdown in the national capital, though it is mulling to impose stricter COVID-linked restrictions. However, with cases rising at an enormous rate, is the city staring at a lockdown in the coming days?
Delhi on Monday reported over 19,000 cases. For the last two days, meanwhile, it logged over 20,000 cases. On Sunday, the national capital witnessed 22,751 cases and the positivity rate jumped to 23.53%, while on Saturday, the city reported 20,181 infections.
As per DDMA's graded response, a red alert, that denotes a total curfew, is imposed if the positivity rate crosses 5% or new cases rise to 16,000 or oxygenated bed occupancy reaches 3,000.
Stricter curbs but no lockdown: DDMA
In today's meeting, DDMA announced to impose stricter restrictions but there will be no lockdown. It decided that dine-in service in restaurants will discontinue, while take-away services will be allowed.
DDMA also decided to allow operation of only one weekly market per day per zone and looking at reducing seating capacity in Metro trains and buses.
It further decided to strictly enforce existing restrictions and also discussed the possibility of imposing similar restrictions in National Capital Territory Region.
The decisions came during a DDMA meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, Revenue Minister Kailash Gehlot, Chief Secretary Vijay Dev and other health department officials were present in the meeting.
No need to panic: CM Kejriwal cites data
Kejriwal had on Sunday said the rapid speed at which the coronavirus was spreading in Delhi had been a matter of "deep concern", however, citing data he said that there is no need to panic and asserted that there was no plan to impose lockdown in Delhi.
This is likely because even as the cases are on the rise, the bed occupancy rate at the hospitals is low as of now.
However, the CM on Sunday also pointed out the level of restrictions could increase from 'yellow alert' to 'red alert' if the Covid positivity goes well beyond 20%.
Hospital bed occupancy less this time: Health minister Satyendar Jain
Last week, Health Minister Satyendar Jain had said even though the case positivity rate is high this time, “Hospital bed occupancy and severity of infections is very less this time." He had told reporters on Thursday that Delhi is in a comfortable position in terms of hospital bed occupancy.
Jain further pointed out more restrictions would be imposed if and when the bed occupancy rate goes up.
The number of cases in Delhi is high as a large number of people are being tested for COVID-19 in the city, he asserted.
"We have been conducting a large number of tests. If we don't do that, the new cases can reduce to 500-1,000. A lot of people (states) don't conduct tests and say they don't have cases. We have been transparent," he has said.
DDMA meeting last week
In its last meeting, the DDMA had decided to impose a weekend lockdown in Delhi. The authorities also ordered the closure of schools, colleges, cinemas and gyms besides putting various restrictions on the functioning of shops and public transport.
Also, a night curfew has been imposed in the city which is effective from 10 pm (earlier 11 pm) to 5 am.
(With inputs from agencies)
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