Delhi Government is fully prepared to tackle the rising numbers, there is no need to panic says Kejriwal

The new COVID-19 cases mostly mild or asymptomatic; Trends show that the need for oxygen, ICUs or ventilators has not risen even during the advent of Omicron

India

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Exercising the principle of prevention better than cure, the Kejriwal Government has decided to impose Level 1 of ‘COVID-19 Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that restrictions are being imposed to avoid this virus from entering anyone’s homes and the government doesn’t want anyone to catch even a fever or cold.

He added that there is no reason to be worried or scared as the Delhi Government is fully prepared to tackle rising numbers; and the new cases that are coming up are mostly mild or asymptomatic. The CM appealed to everyone to mask up and be responsible as it is painful to see markets get crowded with no mask in sight.

The restrictions will be heightened if positivity rates jump higher. GRAP would ensure a scientific and systematic approach to impose a certain amount of restrictions at a certain percentage of Covid prevalence. CM Arvind Kejriwal stated that trends show the need for oxygen, ICUs or ventilators has not risen even during the advent of Omicron; fully prepared for the fight. He continued that the majority of the people who are getting infected by the Omicron variant are recovering in their homes; there is no need to panic. The Chief Minister is personally monitoring all developments taking place regarding the COVID-19 situation in Delhi and had held a high-level review meeting today in regard to the same.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “Over the past few days, the number of coronavirus cases is increasing in the country. Delhi is also witnessing a sudden and speedy rise in COVID cases. The positive part this time is that there is absolutely no reason to be worried or scared, as the new cases that are coming up are majorly mild or asymptomatic in nature. In most cases, patients are not needing oxygen support, nor hospitalisation, ventilators or ICU facilities. So people should not stress about the rising number of cases.”

He added, “In addition to this variant of COVID being mild, another reason for people to not worry is that the Delhi Government is fully prepared to tackle these rising numbers this time. Despite these preparations, we are inclined to encourage prevention over treatment later and we do not want anyone to suffer from fever, cough, or any other symptoms. We want to avoid the spread of this variant, no matter how mild it is.

Hence, we are repeatedly appealing to the public to mask up whenever they step out of their homes to go to the market, or office, or anywhere else. We have to be responsible and live without fear. It deeply pains us to receive news describing overcrowded markets accompanied with pictures and videos showing people roaming maskless among such crowds. If people don’t take care of themselves, then how will anyone else be able to help them?”

The Chief Minister continued, “We are imposing restrictions to avoid this virus from entering anyone’s homes. A few months ago, we had formulated a ‘Graded Response Action Plan’ (GRAP) in order to take appropriate action and impose restrictions depending on the level of spread of the coronavirus. We developed this plan so that we wouldn’t have to sit down and brainstorm our plan of action every time.

This would ensure a scientific and systematic approach to impose a certain amount of restrictions at a certain percentage of Covid prevalence. Under GRAP, we had decided that in case the coronavirus positivity rate remains over 0.5% for two days consistently, the Yellow Alert or Level 1 will be imposed. Since the positivity rate has consistently been above 0.5% for the past 2-3 days, we have decided to impose Level 1 starting today. Certain activities and places are having restrictions imposed on them.”

CM Arvind Kejriwal concluded, “I want the public to note that these restrictions are for their own safety. While I understand that people are frustrated with having dealt with Covid restrictions time and again for over two years now. But we have no choice but to take these measures to protect our health and our lives.

With folded hands, I beseech the people of Delhi to be responsible citizens and to adhere to the restrictions that the Government is imposing. As I have informed earlier, this variant of Covid is extremely mild. We have been observing trends for the past one month and during that time neither has the consumption of oxygen increased in Delhi, nor the need of ventilators or ICUs.

This tells us that a majority of the people who are getting infected by the Omicron variant are recovering in their homes itself. There is no need to panic. There is, however, a crucial need to be responsible and cautious. I am personally monitoring any and all developments taking place regarding the Covid situation in Delhi. I will time and again share the updates and the steps that the Government is taking with the public. In any case any worrisome situation does arise, I will inform the people before all else. For now, I urge you all to exercise utmost caution and hope that no more videos showing overcrowded public places emerge in the news.

“Otherwise we will be forced to shut markets and other services, and people will lose their livelihoods which is something we want to avoid. Hence, do not step out of your homes without a mask. Do not gather in crowds. Sincerely practise social distancing and keep washing your hands.”

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