Satyendar Jain: ‘Even after testing negative, had breathing issues. Yoga helped’

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain

Despite active cases declining in many states, the National Capital Region is now witnessing the third phase of rise in Covid-19 cases. In the past week, daily detections have once again been over 3,000, and rising. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, 56, who tested positive for Covid-19 in June, admits the situation is a challenge, and says he has been hitting the ground daily to check the spread of the virus.

What precautions are you taking?

I have been directly working with doctors, medical staff, and authorities dealing with Covid-19 on the ground. So, I always wear a mask and carry a hand sanitiser while stepping out for work. Initially, there was a lot of scare about the disease among healthcare workers. I had to visit hospitals on a regular basis to boost their morale.

Have you got tested for Covid-19?

Many times. Before I tested positive for Covid-19, I took the test twice. Both times it was negative… On the day I was admitted to the hospital, I had severe headache. I checked my oxygen level… It was 90, and left me alarmed. When I called up the doctors, they told me to reach the hospital immediately. Once I was at the hospital, I didn’t feel scared. I never lost my will power and continued with a positive mind frame.

Did you have to isolate yourself?

I was in isolation for a week. Cases in Delhi were then (in June) on the rise, and so I was actively involved in work. I would have virtual meetings with my team on a daily basis. After getting discharged from hospital, I have been doing yoga regularly. It helped me overcome the breathing issues that I had even after testing negative.

What kind of gloves, mask do you use?

I have been using cloth masks since the very beginning. These masks are washable… Wearing mask has become part of our lives. I wear it in all meetings and visits to hospitals.

At work, what precautions do you take?

Carrying a hand sanitiser and wearing a mask is mandatory for anyone who visits my office. Being the state health minister, I cannot avoid meeting the general public and heads of medical institutions.

Have you had to stay away from family?

Yes. When I tested positive, I had to be hospitalised for 12 days and stayed away from my family for that period.

Do you take any specific precautions while you travel?

I have avoided travel since the pandemic broke out.

How much time do you spend in front of a screen?

I never spend much time on my phone anyway, and during the pandemic, I used it even less. For news too, I always read the newspaper.

How do you keep your mind off the pandemic?

At home, we don’t discuss the pandemic. Once I am out of office, I try to avoid having any conversation linked to Covid-19.

What is the first thing you want to do when the pandemic is past?

I would want to take a break for three- four days and go for a short trip with family.

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