New Delhi:
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that the COVID positivity rate has been declining is a certain ray of hope for the government. Four days ago, the positivity rate in Delhi had touched the 35 per cent mark, which has come down to 31.76 per cent now, he added.
He said that the demand for oxygen has increased exponentially in Delhi, and the Kejriwal-led government is focusing on increasing oxygen beds and maintaining its consistent supply.
“With the positivity rate dropping down to 31.76%, Delhi reported 25,986 cases yesterday (Wednesday). The numbers have been constantly breaching the 20,000 mark for the past 10-12 days. However, the fact that the positivity rate has been declining is a certain ray of hope for us. The highest was recorded at nearly 35% about 4 days back. We thought that this might go beyond 40 and 45%. But, it has halted at 35%, and is even dropping down, like for yesterday when it was 31.76%.”
While presenting a graph that demonstrated the 10-day average and daily positivity, Jain stated that the 10-day average has been decreasing significantly in the past couple of days. “This ignites hope within us. We are foreseeing the positivity rate to decline even further,” he said.
Jain also presented a graph inclusive of Rapid Antigen Tests, Average Numbers, and RTPCR Tests. “The curve has been sloping down as we can evidently see. This tells us that the cases have been dipping down in Delhi, and is an optimistic sign for us,” he said.
The Health Minister took cognisance of the concerns arising in the decreasing number of tests in the national capital and added, “The Delhi government has not reduced its testing strategy. In the face of the lockdown, public movement has substantially dropped down, and the footfall has decreased in dispensaries and hospitals. It is only because of the reduced footfall that the tests have slightly decreased, but otherwise the tests are being conducted for all in large numbers.”
With reference to doubts regarding a small error seen in the health bulletin of Delhi on Wednesday, Jain vindicated, “The bulletin was correct, but the only mistake was in the cumulative total. It was supposed to be added to the previous day number, instead was mistakenly added to the day before yesterday’s numbers. It has been rectified and disseminated.”
Those above 18 will be able to get vaccinated from May 1, speaking of which Jain highlighted some concerns regarding the drive. “We don’t have enough vaccines. We have requested for procurement of vaccines from the respective companies. Despite all preparations being made, availability of vaccines is inevitable for the inoculation to begin. As soon as these things are made clear and we receive the vaccines, we will let you know in a couple of days or so. We haven’t received the schedule from companies yet, which includes how many vials will reach on which dates.”
Noting the concerns regarding the number of deaths in the national capital, Jain emphatically stated that the Kejriwal government has kept everything transparent in front of the people of Delhi. “This is not the time to politicise things. Six months back, the same concern was seen, but nevertheless was proved that the numbers were accurate. First and foremost, nobody over here wants even a single life lost. Secondly, we do not have any right to conceal the numbers. The death certificates are being drafted constantly, and if the fatality is due to covid-19, it is being duly mentioned in that. Not just right now, but always, everything has been displayed absolutely transparent by the Kejriwal-led Delhi government. I assure you that nothing has been hidden by us, and nothing will be in the near future.”
With the powers being increasingly given to the Lieutenant Governor, Jain added that the Kejriwal government will continue working for the welfare of people of Delhi. “No matter what kind of hindrances come our way, we will keep working for the citizens of Delhi,” he added.
Jain lastly clarified that the CATS Ambulances are still available and on dialing the 102 helpline number, everyone can avail them.
