New Covid wave affecting people aged 20-45 yrs: Delhi Minister
As per the new trend, the virus was fast spreading among the people aged between 20-45 years, who may not get affected much but can pose a threat to the elderly at homes and therefore, the vaccination should now be made available to all ages, said Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Wednesday at a press meet.
Jain said: “For the last three weeks, Delhi has seen a surge. It used to be lower than 200-300 Covid cases earlier, but now it is more than 5000. Delhi Government is increasing the number of Covid beds in the hospitals. In lieu of this, more than 2000 beds have been increased in the past three days and in the coming 2-3 days, additional 2000-2500 will be increased.”
While making an appeal to the residents, Jain asserted: “I would say that corona has been there for the past one year and the most effective way to tackle the infection is to wear the masks. Whenever among the public, one must wear the mask, follow social distancing and sanitise. Wearing the mask is of utmost importance and if we do, we will be able to curb the virus. I can definitely say that Delhiites complied with the Covid guidelines for 2-3 months and later they were relaxed, so I think that it is impacting now.”
Responding to queries surrounding the night curfew, Jain said: “The night curfew has been imposed between 10 PM in the night to 5 AM in the morning. There were reports about parties, which cause unnecessary gatherings and people are in close contact there. Hence the night curfew is aimed to avoid this situation because if even one is positive among the 50 people, all 50 test positive.”
Talking about the effectiveness of the night curfew, Jain added, “We cannot impose night curfew in certain parts, it has to be applied to all of Delhi. However it has been done for the time being. We will analyse the impact. It is not a harsh decision, it will start from 10 PM in the night and people generally finish their work by then.”
Responding to the queries surrounding loss of employment due to the night curfew, Jain said: “Taxis are allowed and if someone is coming from outside and have valid tickets they can travel. For restaurants and hotels, the timing is anyway 11 PM. I believe that the condition of the virus is not mellow, so we have to be aware and careful. People talk in extremes, either they are in favour of a complete lockdown or none at all. There has to be a middle ground as well.”
While answering about e-passes and website issues, Jain said: “It has begun from yesterday, I think these teething problems will be sorted out.”
On being asked whether it could cross 8,000 margin, Jain said: “It cannot be assumed now. Although many states are seeing higher positivity rate than Delhi. Vaccination drive is going on 24 hours in all 33 Delhi Government Hospitals. 21,388 vaccination in private hospitals and 62,825 in government hospitals were done as per the data after 10 PM yesterday. 25% in private and 75% in government hospitals were conducted respectively. The vaccine is available with us.”
