Covid-19: Delhi hospitals report spurt in admissions as city records highest Number of cases since August 1 – ET HealthWorld

“In November-end, we had only five Covid-19 patients admitted. In the last two weeks, the number has gone up to 50,” Dr Suresh Kumar, director of Lok Nayak hospital, said. He said that at least two patients had severe symptoms and they required oxygen therapy.

Suresh Kumar, director of Lok Nayak hospital, said at least two patients had severe symptoms and required oxygen therapy. “One of them has recovered while the other one is still on oxygen support,” he said.

Dr Shamsher Dwivedee, who heads the Covid-19 task force at Vimhans Nayati hospital, said they have had four admissions due to Covid-19 in the last two weeks. “In November, there were none,” he added. Other leading public and private hospitals are also seeing a similar trend. Most doctors blame it on complete lack of Covid appropriate behaviour among the masses. However, there is also an apprehension that the Omicron variant may cause further spurt in cases. “We might see more cases in the next few months. The third wave is inevitable. But, hopefully, mass vaccination will help reduce its impact,” Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine at Apollo hospital, said.

Dr Mohit Gupta, professor of cardiology at G B Pant hospital, said large gatherings must be restricted with immediate effect to control disease spread. “The rise in cases is worrisome. The reason is complete lack of social distancing and masking,” he said.

In the last 16 days, data shared by the government shows, Delhi has recorded an average of 63 Covid-19 cases daily. This is the highest in the last four months. In August, September, October and November, Delhi recorded an average of 48,37, 32 and 35 cases daily, respectively. The number of active cases in the city, data shows, has also increased significantly, from 348 active cases in October-end to 475 on December 16.