8,593 fresh cases in Delhi set grim record

NEW DELHI: Delhi on Wednesday recorded the highest single-day tally of 8,593 new Covid-19 cases and the health department confirmed 85 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The previous high was on Tuesday, when the capital recorded 7,830 people cases.

The sharp rise in cases suggests that the infection is spreading fast, and the rising number of deaths is an indication of people developing severe symptoms.

Positivity rate up to 13.4% from less than 6% in July

According to government data, the positivity rate of Covid-19 in Delhi is 13.4%. It had dropped to less than 6% in July, raising hopes that the crisis caused by the pandemic was receding.

However, the situation has only worsened since then, with very few beds being available for Covid-19 patients, especially those requiring critical care. Doctors say if the infection doesn’t get contained soon, the city’s health infrastructure may collapse. “I do not know if I will be able to get a bed on testing positive for Covid-19,” said a senior doctor of one of Delhi’s top private hospitals. He said the hospital has put stretchers in the corridors to attend to the seriously-ill in emergency or until the patient gets a bed.

“Patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms, who can’t find a bed, are seeking tele-consultations,” said another doctor.

Public health experts say urgent measures need to be enforced. “Festive season shouldn’t become an excuse to flout rules. It puts the person and family members at risk of contracting the infection and spreading it further, thereby extending the chain of transmission,” doctors say.

Until now, Delhi has recorded over 4.59 lakh Covid-19 cases and a total of 7,228 deaths due to the infection. Initially, it was believed that the infection mainly affected the lungs. However, new evidence suggests that the virus affects multiple organs, including heart, brain and pancreas, among others.

Increase in air pollution over the past week has added to the crisis. Doctors say air pollution is causing more severe symptoms in Covid-19 patients, making recovery difficult. “High-risk groups, for example elderly, those with co-morbidities especially respiratory problems, shouldn’t venture out until the situation improves,” said Dr Sandeep Nayar of BLK super-specialty hospital. “So many people are moving around without masks in the markets. Many of them may be asymptomatic cases. If people wear masks, the risk of disease spread will reduce,” he added.