A fresh Covid-19 wave might sweep across Delhi: Here is why

With Omicron spreading at an unprecedented rate across the country and around the globe, governments are putting restrictions and curfews in places yet again in a bid to control its spread. The World Health Organisation had previously warned the world about the potential severity of this new strain. Countries like the UK have already reported more than 1,00,000 new coronavirus cases, with Omicron taking the lead in most. India, too, has seen a sharp rise in these cases, specifically in Delhi. The concerning numbers in this state as seen in a report from Delhi’s health department are already projecting a possibility for a new Covid-19 wave imminently. Read on to find out how and why. 

What does the report say about current Covid situation in Delhi? 
The report published by Delhi’s health department demonstrates a sharp rise in the graph indicating the rapidly growing coronavirus cases in the state. It also estimates an increase of 96.7% of patients affected by Covid in the last seven days of December. The report also went on to cite specific data according to which the Delhi administration reported 362 cases between December 9-15. This figure almost doubled in the next seven days, making it 712. Among these cases, the ones involving Omicron also showed an increase from the previously reported 67 cases.  

Why has Delhi been affected so severely? 
It is estimated that there are well over 624 active Covid cases in Delhi currently, and this number is projected to increase. Out of these reported cases, 55.2% have been detected in the southern regions of the state. According to experts, these specific regions are where most travellers reside. The increased international travel in the preceding few weeks and months may have caused the virus to spread so much. Moreover, relaxations granted by the government in the last few months led to a large number of wedding ceremonies, parties, public events and other gatherings where emphasis on maintaining protocol was not mandated. This may be the second cause of this situation.  

What is the Delhi government doing to control the situation? 
Numerous places around South Delhi have been designated as containment zones already. Moreover, the state has started taking measures like curfews and restrictions to ensure less crowding. The state’s medical infrastructure is also being ramped up to prepare for the worst. According to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi is prepared fully to handle a potential third wave of the coronavirus.