Delhi : Tests on demand and at rly stations, ISBTs

New Delhi: In the wake of rising Covid-19 cases in the capital, Delhi Disaster Management Authority has directed state authorities to ensure testing facilities at all railway stations, interstate bus terminals and large construction sites, and run a pandemic guidelines campaign to make people comply with the precautionary measures. DDMA has also asked the authorities to develop on-demand Covid test facilities for those desiring to undergo tests, thus encouraging more people to opt for tests.

No decision about permitting more economic activities, such as reopening of gyms and yoga centres, was taken at DDMA’s meeting on Wednesday. An official said such decisions will be taken in a couple of days.

After detailed discussion, DDMA decided to restrategise testing plans, launch aggressive information, education and communication campaigns and strictly enforce Covid-appropriate behaviour in citizens. Lieutenant governor Anil Baijal, who heads DDMA, reviewed the pandemic situation with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, deputy CM Manish Sisodia, health minister Satyendar Jain, revenue minister Kailash Gahlot, chief secretary Vijay Dev and other officials of the Delhi government and central governments besides experts.

DDMA directed the state authorities to expand the Covid contacts tracing net and track more contacts of the individuals who test positive. It was disclosed at the meeting that on an average, around five contacts of the persons testing positive for coronavirus are being currently tested. The authorities were directed to increase this number to at least 15 others for each case – and the aim should be to trace whatever the number of persons who had come in contact with the infected individual, said sources.

“Directions were issued to restrategise testing plans to maximise the number of tests and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This means ensuring testing facilities at all the interstate bus terminals, railway stations and large construction sites,” said a source. DDMA also wants extensive information, education and communication activities, strict compliance of social distancing and other measures and adherence to all central government guidelines on avoiding transmission of the virus.

“The emphasis was on the authorities not letting their guard down till the situation normalised and came well under control,” said sources. Delhi government is working on plans to increase the number of tests to 40,000 per day. On Tuesday, 28,835 tests were conducted in Delhi, among the highest numbers undertaken since the novel coronavirus pandemic broke out in the city. An official said the number will go up to 40,000 soon.

An official said despite 2,509 new cases, the Covid situation was not back to the same alarming level that it was on July 4. On that day, the city had reported 2,505 cases, but the total active cases was 25,940, when there are currently only 16,502 active cases.