Coronavirus: Kejriwal launches app for information on hospital beds
With a worrying surge in coronavirus cases in Delhi and allegations that Arvind Kejriwal's government isn't disclosing the actual statistics, the chief minister on Tuesday announced that a new mobile application has been launched to give information about the hospital beds in the National Capital. The app is called "Delhi Corona" and is available on Play Store. It can be accessed on delhifightscorona.in/beds too.
Kejriwal said the government has been telling people there are adequate beds in the capital, yet some say they didn't find any. The app will bridge this communication gap, he explained. It will be updated twice daily — 10 am and 6 pm, to divulge updated information. By texting on WhatsApp number 8800007722, one can get the download link too.
The AAP leader said 4,100 beds are still vacant in Delhi. "If you go to a hospital and you see that they are denying you a bed, please call on the helpline number 1031," he said. However, he urged citizens to not insist on hospitalization if doctors say they can be treated at home. To note, Delhi's cases crossed 20,000 and 523 have died.
Yesterday, while interacting with news channel India TV, Kejriwal said residents don't need to worry about the national capital becoming New York, the hotspot of COVID-19 in the United States. He assured there are enough arrangements in hospitals while pointing out that with over 17,000 infections, less than 500 have died (yesterday's data). "We will soon flatten the curve," he claimed.
"The three rules which everyone has to follow are wearing a mask, maintain social distancing, and washing hands regularly. Apart from this, citizens don't have to fret about anything. Even if you catch COVID-19, you must know you will recover," he added.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Kejriwal sealed Delhi's borders for a week allowing only essential services and those having government-approved passes to move. Ironically, he opened up almost everything, from markets to salons (not spas), and said the restriction on number of passengers that could board autos/e-rickshaws has been lifted. To the news channel, Kejriwal said it's important that people get back to work.
