Delhi's Daily COVID-19 Tally Hits Six-Month High, Concerns Grow Over Upcoming Festival Season

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said there is no need to panic over the latest rise in COVID-19 cases in the national capital and assured that necessary action will be taken to bring the situation under control.

This comes as Delhi recorded 2,495 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours on Tuesday.

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Highest cases, deaths since February

This is the highest single-day rise in COVID-19 infections in Delhi in 180 days, while the positivity rate stood at 15.41 per cent.

The city had on February 3 recorded 2,668 cases and 13 fatalities.

Delhi also logged seven fresh fatalities due to COVID-19 on Tuesday, the highest in nearly 180 days.

It was on February 13 that the city had reported 12 deaths due to the viral disease.

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No need to panic: CM

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said COVID cases are on the rise in Delhi, but there is no need to panic as most of the new cases were mild in nature.

The Delhi government has directed district magistrates to ensure that COVID-appropriate behaviour is followed, even as experts have said people becoming carefree towards maintaining social distancing norms was behind the recent spike in coronavirus cases in the capital.

The government has directed DMs of 11 revenue districts to increase drives to issue challans in case people are not following social distancing norms, officials said.

Health Ministry writes to Delhi, other states

Last week, the Union Health Ministry had written to seven states to focus on testing and increase the pace of vaccination. These states include Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

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In a letter from the Union Health Ministry, these states have been asked to be more cautious in the coming months as upcoming festivals and celebrations may increase the chances of the infection spreading.

¡°In view of some changes in symptoms and clinical manifestation of the disease, it is crucial to monitor and report district-wise influenza-like illness (ILI) and SARI cases in all health facilities as per the guidelines, on a regular basis for detecting early warning signals of the spread of infection. This will enable us to take pre-emptive action if required, in any areas of concern,¡± the letter said.

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Experts caution ahead of festival season

Health experts have also warned people against letting their guards down against COVID-19.

"COVID-19 cases have recently increased as well. As a result, it is advised that people act responsibly while celebrating the festivals. People should avoid large gatherings and celebrate with their families. Even if someone is having a gathering, there should be enough space for everyone to maintain social distance, and the room should be ventilated or else the celebrations should be held outdoors," Dr Sushila Kataria, senior Director of Internal Medicine at Medanta Hospital, told ANI.

"In addition, those invited for celebrations should be immunised against Covid-19. Those who have not yet taken their booster dose should do so," she said.

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