As COVID-19 cases surge, Jain asks people to shun complacency
What's the story
Amid a surge in daily COVID-19 cases in the national capital, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday asked people to be cautious and observe all safety norms, and not get complacent about the pandemic situation in the city. Interacting with reporters, he also mentioned that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has convened a meeting with him on Thursday to review the situation.
Information
Delhi recorded 536 coronavirus cases on Wednesday
Delhi on Wednesday had recorded 536 coronavirus cases, the highest in about two-and-a-half months, while three more persons died from COVID-19 infection, taking the death toll to 10,948. The number of active cases on Wednesday rose to 2,702 from 2,488 a day ago.
Condition
Delhi much better placed than other states: Jain
"Yesterday, 536 cases were recorded with a positivity rate of 0.66 percent. However, it is still below 1% and much lower compared to the figures in other cities and states," Jain said. The Health Minister asserted that the situation in Delhi is "a lot under control" vis-à-vis in other cities. An awareness drive is being carried out to make people comply with safety norms.
Data
Positivity rate in Delhi less than other states
In Maharashtra, the positivity rate is 19.32 percent, in Punjab, the figures were 5.96 percent. In MP, it was 4.89 percent, in Kerala, 3.49 percent, Haryana figures were 2.88 percent and in Gujarat, the positivity rate was 1.92 percent.
Safety norms
Jain urged Delhiites to celebrate a dry Holi this year
Jain has also appealed to all Delhiites to maintain social distancing and celebrate a dry Holi this year to check the spread of the pandemic. Some people have become lethargic and complacent about the pandemic situation which is not acceptable. "I urge people to continue to wear masks and observe all safety norms, and not give in to complacency," he said.
Information
Over 400 daily cases were recorded for four consecutive days
Delhi on Monday had recorded 368 COVID-19 cases, while the positivity rate stood at 0.59 percent. On Tuesday, the count rose again to 425, with a positivity rate of 0.61 percent. On Sunday, the daily tally had crossed the 400-mark for the fourth consecutive day.
Record
Health experts attribute this sudden rise to people turning complacent
Delhi on Saturday had recorded 419 COVID-19 cases, while the positivity rate stood at 0.56 percent, according to data shared by the Health Department. On Friday, 431 cases were recorded, while the count on Thursday was 409. Health experts and doctors have attributed this "sudden rise" to people turning complacent, not following COVID-19 appropriate behavior, and "assuming all is well now."