Delhi Covid Crisis: Labs Halt Swab Collection for 2 Days, Cops Create Green Corridors for Oxygen Containers
By Administrator_ India
The exponential spread of coronavirus in Delhi has overwhelmed the healthcare system. As such the demands for RT-PCR or antigen tests have also skyrocketed. Several private testing labs have now reportedly halted collecting swab samples for at least two days. According to 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.
As per 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 pace with the Covid-19 surge and to check the delay in providing results, 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.”
Apart from testing delays, the shortage of oxygen supply has haunted the national capital as it grapples with an even more deadly fourth wave in Delhi. The Delhi Police has now stepped up to ensure a timely supply of Oxygen to hospitals. The Delhi Police is now creating green corridors to ensure the smooth passage of oxygen containers.
