Delhi Govt Issues Covid Advisory as Cases Rise, Hospitals Told to Ensure Full Preparedness
The Delhi government on Friday issued a Covid-19 preparedness advisory to all hospitals and healthcare centres in the national capital, urging them to ramp up readiness amid a slight but noticeable rise in Covid cases across the country.
As of May 22, 23 active cases have been reported in Delhi, prompting the health department to mandate key precautionary measures, including functional medical infrastructure and equipment, oxygen stock, vaccines, and genome sequencing for all new cases.
The advisory directed hospitals to ensure that beds, oxygen supplies, essential drugs, ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA plants are in complete working order.
“All equipment must be functional and essential supplies available. Covid-positive samples should be sent to Lok Nayak Hospital for genome sequencing to detect emerging variants,” the advisory stated.
Hospitals have also been instructed to update the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal daily with the latest statistics and developments.
Speaking to reporters, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said, “The Delhi government is verifying whether the 23 current Covid-19 patients are residents of Delhi or have travelled here from other states. Regardless, we are taking no chances.”
He further added, “The Delhi government has already coordinated with medical superintendents and hospital administrators. We are fully prepared, and there is no need for public panic.”
According to the Union Health Ministry, India reported 257 active Covid-19 cases as of May 19. Kerala accounts for the highest number of infections, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and now, a gradual uptick in Delhi.
Experts suggest the rise is not alarming but warrants close surveillance and proactive measures, especially in metro cities where mobility is high.
This advisory follows similar moves by health departments in other states, as medical authorities continue to monitor post-vaccination immunity levels and potential new sub-variants.
