Delhi: Two deaths after 3 days, 125 new cases

North MCD spokesperson Ira Singhal said the nurse who tested positive had visited another hospital for dialysis: “They checked her before performing dialysis as she had some symptoms, they sent her to a government hospital.” The nurse was admitted after she tested positive. Though her four primary contacts, including her husband who also works in the hospital, have not shown symptoms, they have been home quarantined, said Singhal.

Meanwhile, after reports that some private hospitals were forcing patients who are admitted to undergo COVID-19 tests each week, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said hospitals have been asked to conduct tests only if a patient displays symptoms.

A man admitted at Apollo Hospital in Sarita Vihar had claimed the hospital was forcing them to undergo weekly tests and charging Rs 4,500 for it. Responding to the claims, the hospital spokesperson said: “We had initiated testing for our patients to ensure their safety and that of our staff… With the new Union government directives, we are awaiting the Delhi government’s order on testing modalities for patients.” The Centre had asked all patients being admitted in hospitals in and around containment zones to be tested irrespective of symptoms.

D S Rana, chairman (board of management), Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said they are testing patients coming for dialysis and chemotherapy: “The idea is to ensure the disease is not transmitted further.”