NEW DELHI: With states like Maharashtra and Kerala witnessing a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, Delhi government will implement some new measures and also remain vigilant for at least two weeks before it decides on further relaxations, such as increasing passenger-carrying capacity of public transport.
On Monday, lieutenant governor Anil Baijal stressed upon the adoption of cluster-based surveillance, testing and genome sequencing strategy during a meeting of Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which he chaired. Cluster-based genome sequence testing and surveillance helps in identifying any mutation of the virus.
In the meeting, Baijal reviewed the Covid-19 situation in Delhi and the vaccination drive with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, health minister Satyendar Jain and transport minister Kailash Gahlot, apart from chief secretary Vijay Dev and other senior officials. Baijal directed that there should be strict enforcement of Covid-compliant behaviour along with maintenance of current levels of RT-PCR testing to contain any possibility of resurgence of the infection.
“While appreciating the efforts put in by all stakeholders in effective management of Covid-19, emphasised the need to continue to be vigilant without lowering the guard,” Baijal tweeted. “Also advised the health department to scale up vaccination efforts so as to enhance coverage and to undertake appropriate IEC campaign to sensitise people about Covid-19 vaccination,” another tweet said.
While Delhi Transport Corporation had sent a proposal to the DDMA to allow standing passengers in public transport buses, sources said that no relaxation has been provided and buses will continue to operate at full seating capacity with no standing passengers.
“Inside Delhi Metro trains, commuters will continue to sit on alternate seats and standing commuters will have to maintain a distance of at least six feet from each other,” an official said.