On Saturday (April 24, 2021), while hearing a petition by several hospitals in the National Capital Region, the Delhi High Court referred to the report by IIT Delhi which predicted that the capital will witness a “COVID-19 Tsunami” in mid-May.
The court observed that there is an urgent need to plan and prepare for the predicted peak in infections.
The matter was heard by a Division Bench of the High Court comprising Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli.
The petition was filed by Maharaja Agarsen Hospital & various other hospitals concerning to shortage of oxygen. The Petitioners were worried about the safety of their staff and property in the aftermath of the rising number of COVID mortality and shortages in medical facilities.
Taking note of the concern of the hospitals the High Court recommended the establishment of special security arrangements. The court also observed that:
“We know how people react when they lose their dear ones.....let's not have a law & order situation.”
The court also asked the government about its current preparedness. The court observed that people who could have been saved are dying. It noted that it is our responsibility to see that those who can be saved are brought back from death & to reduce the mortality rate.
The National Capital Region is facing a severe second wave of COVID-19 infections with 22,933 new cases and 350 deaths reported within 24 hours on Sunday. Also, many of the healthcare facilities are unable to accommodate new patients due to a lack of vacant beds and other essentials.
The Delhi government has extended the curfew till May 3 to limit the spread of infections.
