The national Capital has reported 23 COVID-19 cases, prompting the Delhi Government to issue an advisory asking all hospitals to prepare for availability of beds, oxygen, medicines and vaccines. The advisory, issued by the Health Department, comes in the wake of several States reporting COVID-19 cases.

This proactive step comes as several Indian cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune, ramp up surveillance and preparedness measures in response to an uptick in cases. Mumbai has emerged as a focal point in this current wave, reporting 95 COVID-19 cases in May alone.

In its advisory, the Delhi Government has asked health institutions to send all positive samples for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital. “The hospitals must ensure preparedness in terms of availability of beds, oxygen, antibiotics, other drugs and vaccine. All equipment such as ventilators, Bi-PAP, oxygen concentrators and PSA must be in functional condition,” it stated.

Daily reporting of all parameters must also be done on the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal, it said. “Refresher training of dedicated staff may be conducted. Reporting of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in all health facilities (OPD/IPD) on a daily basis on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. Confirmed influenza and COVID-19 cases may also be reported on IHIP under L form. Adequate testing as per Covid19 testing guidelines. Ensure COVID19 testing of 5 per cent ILI cases and 100 per cent SARI cases.

Respiratory etiquettes are being followed, including wearing mask in hospital premises/health facilities,” the guidelines said.

On Friday, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said that 23 COVID-19 cases have been reported till Thursday and the government is verifying the details whether patients are residents of Delhi or have travel history outside the city. “The Delhi government is fully prepared to deal with any situation. We have already coordinated with all medical superintendents, doctors, and their teams across hospitals in the capital,” Singh said in a statement.

In terms of preparedness, hospitals and healthcare facilities have been placed on alert, and all necessary resources are being mobilised to ensure rapid response and care, the statement said. The health department continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates to the public, he said, adding that citizens are advised to follow all health and safety guidelines and cooperate with authorities as needed.