Delhi needs more stringent action to combat COVID-19: Union Health Minister

Delhi is one of the places where considering the current situation more stringent action needs to be taken to combat COVID-19, said Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, here on Monday.Commenting upon the current situation regarding the efforts taken by the government to combat COVID-19, the Minister said: " India's COVID-19 mortality rate of 3.2 per cent is the lowest in the world.We are improving our testing capacity and deploying different strategies in different zones to curb the spread of COVID-19." Meanwhile, the Union Health Minister also visited a blood donation camp at the Red Cross Building.

Delhi is one of the places where considering the current situation more stringent action needs to be taken to combat COVID-19, said Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, here on Monday.

"I should not comment on what more needs to be done in Delhi, as it may be taken as a political statement. But considering the current status, I personally feel that more stringent action needs to be taken in the national capital to combat COVID-19. I think that minimum relaxation should be given by Delhi government during coronavirus-induced lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19," he said while speaking to reporters.

Delhi government had on Sunday announced the list of activities permitted during the extended lockdown period from May 4 onwards. Among these are shops selling liquor, tobacco, industrial activities such as manufacturing units of essential goods, including drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, their raw material and intermediates; production units, which require continuous process, and their supply chain; manufacturing of IT hardware; jute industry and manufacturing units of packaging material.

It also allowed all government offices to be opened. While only 33 per cent attendance will be allowed in offices dealing with non-essential activities.

Commenting upon the current situation regarding the efforts taken by the government to combat COVID-19, the Minister said: " India's COVID-19 mortality rate of 3.2 per cent is the lowest in the world. We have taken a pro-active, pre-emptive, and graded approach. We are improving our testing capacity and deploying different strategies in different zones to curb the spread of COVID-19."

Meanwhile, the Union Health Minister also visited a blood donation camp at the Red Cross Building.

"In many places, Thalassemia patients are facing problems due to the shortage of blood in blood banks. With the help of the Red Cross, we have decided that a vehicle will be provided to blood donors to come and donate blood. Arrangements are also being made to send a van to donors home so that one can donate blood from their homes," he said.

( With inputs from ANI )