Delhi issues mask advisory for symptomatic people as COVID-19 cases surge

New Delhi (India), March 30, 2023: The Delhi government has issued a mask advisory to symptomatic people as coronavirus cases surge in the national capital.

In an emergency meeting held earlier today, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj stated that although the COVID positivity rate in the city has spiked in recent weeks, “There is no need to panic. However, those who have symptoms of influenza or flu must wear masks, as per the advisory.”

Yesterday, Delhi reported 300 COVID-19 cases for the first time since August 31 last year, and the positivity rate climbed to 13.89%. Given the rapid rise in cases, the Delhi Health Minister held a meeting with specialist doctors, health department officials, and directors of several hospitals in the afternoon.

Although Delhi’s daily COVID count had dropped to zero on January 16, the first time since the outbreak of the disease in 2020, the city has witnessed an increase in COVID cases amid a sharp rise in H3N2 influenza cases across the country.

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj has ruled out any restrictions at this moment. However, tomorrow at 12 p.m., Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will chair a meeting with officials from the Health Department to discuss the situation.

According to data shared by the city health department, 54 of the 7,986 beds in the dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in the city are currently occupied, while 452 patients are in home isolation. The COVID tally in Delhi has climbed to 20,09,361, and the death count stands at 26,526.

The mask advisory for symptomatic people is a precautionary measure to prevent the further spread of the virus. The Delhi government is urging citizens to remain vigilant and follow COVID-appropriate behavior to keep the pandemic at bay.