Delhi Covid Crisis: Labs Halt Swab Collection; cops create green corridors:
The fast spread of coronavirus in Delhi has hampered the healthcare system. The demands for RT-PCR or antigen tests have also skyrocketed. Various private testing labs have now reportedly halted collecting swab samples for at least two days. As per the Delhi health bulletin on Tuesday evening, in the last 24 hours, Delhi conducted 86,526 tests. The labs are now temporarily shutting down for at least a couple of days amid a shortage of manpower and overburdening of the existing infrastructure.
According to ICMR guidelines, the data of results have to be uploaded within 24 hours of sample collection. However, with an unprecedented rush, the testing centers provide reports within 48 hours.
To keep up with the Covid-19 surge, the Delhi government on April 16 issued an order stating, “Keeping in view the above and to ensure that districts (and Government hospitals) have an adequate number of slots available in labs to get their samples processed within a stipulated time frame (preferably 24 hours and latest within 48 hours) through the Gold Standard Test in continuation of order 1.”
Other than delayed testing, the shortage of oxygen supply has haunted the Capital in the past few days as it deals with an even more deadly wave. The Delhi Police has now stepped up to ensure a timely supply of Oxygen to hospitals. They are now creating green corridors to ensure the smooth passage of oxygen containers.
On Monday night, two such containers were stuck in traffic jams while on their way from Greater Noida and Faridabad. Treatment of at least 235 patients in outer Delhi hospitals depended on these two containers which reached their destinations after timely action of the cops.
The government said that they are working towards increasing the production of oxygen cylinders and other needed things.
