In the wake of the rising Omicron cases in the national capital, the Delhi government has urged the central government to allow booster shots for the residents of the national capital.

“We have vaccinated ninety nine per cent of our [eligible] population with the first dose and seventy per cent with the second dose. We urge the central government to allow us to give booster doses so that people are safer,” Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said during a press conference today, December 20.

“We want to give it to health workers first,” he added.

Omicron cases in Delhi rise to 28

The national capital recorded 107 positive cases of coronavirus and one death yesterday, December 19. This is the highest daily spike in nearly six months. On June 25, the national capital had recorded 115 cases in one day.

Further, 28 cases of the new variant Omicron have been reported in Delhi. Six new Omicron cases were reportedly recorded in the national capital today, December 20. Overall, at least 161 Omicron cases are recorded in the country so far, with Maharashtra reporting the maximum number of cases at 54.

Apart from the national capital, the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka have reported 15 and 19 Omicron cases, respectively. 

On December 2, the country reported its first Omicron case in the southern state of Karnataka. In less than three weeks, the variant has spread to other states in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi in the country.

Genome sequencing in Delhi

In order to identify if the rise in the coronavirus cases is due to the new variant of concern Omicron, the Delhi government has decided to conduct genome sequencing tests of all samples testing positive for COVID19. As of now, only samples of international travellers were being sent for genome sequencing.

“In the past few days, cases have increased. Yesterday more than hundred cases were recorded. We have been testing people at airports, but now we have decided to send samples for all positive cases for genome sequencing so that we know the type of variant,” said Kejriwal.

“Experts have said there are fewer chances of deaths. I urge Delhi people to not panic. The Delhi government has made arrangements for sufficient hospital beds and oxygen,” he said.

Two days back on December 18, the Delhi government reportedly converted four private hospitals into dedicated centers for the treatment of the Omicron variant. These hospitals include Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Max Hospital in Saket, Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj, and Batra Hospital in Tughlakabad.

Earlier, Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) hospital, a government-run hospital was designated for the Omicron treatment.

A new research shows that the Omicron variant is 70 times more infectious than the Delta variant which wreaked havoc during the second wave of coronavirus in India.

Also Read: COVID19’s Omicron variant infects 70 times faster than the Delta: Study

There are increasing concerns about those who were fully vaccinated early in India’s immunisation campaign, such as health and frontline workers. Recently Indian Medical Association, a top medical body, recommended additional doses of vaccine or booster doses for healthcare, frontline workers and immunocompromised individuals such as those on chemotherapy or severely diabetic.

Also Read: The Indian Medical Association warns of ‘massive’ third wave amid Omicron threat

During the second wave of the COVID19 pandemic, reportedly there was an acute shortage of medical oxygen cylinders in Delhi hospitals where serious COVID19 patients were being treated. On 25 April this year, 25 people reportedly died in Delhi’s Gangaram Hospital due to oxygen shortage. Reportedly many have perished in the long wait for a refill or for supply to resume.

Also Read: Running out of breath as scramble for oxygen cylinders begins