May have to impose lockdown if hospital system collapses, says Kejriwal as Delhi reports over 10,000 COVID cases

NEW DELHI:  As Delhi recorded its highest ever tally of 10,774 Covid-19 cases on Sunday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal cautioned the people against stepping out of home unless it’s urgent. The government may be forced to reintroduce the lockdown if the surge continues and the health system starts crumbling, he warned. Addressing a digital press briefing, Kejriwal said the fourth wave in Delhi was at peak and more dangerous than ever.

He clarified that though the government did not intend to enforce lockdown again, it would have no option if the rapid spike in cases puts a strain on the city’s healthcare facilities. “I am not in favour of lockdown... it is not the solution. It should be imposed by any government only when the hospital infrastructure collapses. (But) Lockdown curtails the pace of Covid spread,” the CM said.

If the people continued to support and cooperate and the hospital facilities remained under control, there would be no need for a lockdown. “However, in case the number of beds in hospitals starts falling short, we might have to impose lockdown,” said the CM. From less than 100 infections in February, the pandemic has assumed alarming proportions in the past 10-15 days.

However, the CM expressed hope that like the previous three Covid waves, the people of Delhi would follow all protocols and guidel ines and beat the current wave. Kejriwal requested people to get treatment at government hospitals. “Some people are only going to the private hospitals. These hospitals have lesser number of beds… Good treatment would be provided even in government hospitals.

If your app shows beds are available in government hospitals, then please go there,” said the Delhi chief minister, and also urged patients not to occupy hospital beds until the situation is critical. In the wake of the spike in the national capital, the AAP government had announced a series of fresh restrictions late on Saturday evening.

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