COVID-19 | Amid spike in cases, Delhi sees nearly two-fold rise in hospitalisations in fortnight

Even though the rise in COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations is not yet alarming, experts have reiterated the need to wear masks and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour

Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in the national capital, there has been a nearly two-fold increase in hospitalisations in over a fortnight, with officials saying those with comorbidities are getting admitted to hospitals.

Even though the rise in infections and hospitalisations is not yet alarming, experts have reiterated the need to wear masks and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Of the 9,405 available beds for coronavirus patients in Delhi, 307 (3.26%) were occupied on August 1. The occupancy rate was 3.75% on August 2 and 4% the day after. It kept on rising on most days thereafter and stood at 6.24% on August 16.

The bed occupancy rate was 5% on August 6 and 5.97% on August 11. The occupancy rate was 6.13% on August 12 and declined marginally to 5.99% the next day. It rose to 6.21% on August 14 and stood at 6.31% on August 15.

Dr. Vikas Maurya, Director and HOD, Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, said in the last one week or so, they are observing a rise in hospital admissions due to the viral infection.

“Most of the patients are those who have multiple comorbidities and some of them are also unvaccinated. Some patients also have had lung involvement, which meant that they required anti-viral treatment and other Covid drugs,” he added.

Dr. Suresh Kumar, medical director of State-run LNJP Hospital, concurred with Dr. Maurya.