Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital in Delhi sealed; second hospital in less than 24 hours

Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Jahangirpuri area of Delhi area has been sealed as the hospital is being sanitised. The hospital had to be sealed as44 staff members, including doctors, were tested positive for COVID-19.

"Total 44 staff members including doctors at Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Jahangirpuri area of Delhi have tested positive for COVID-19. Test reports of other staff members are awaited. Hospital's medical services have been closed and the hospital is being sanitized," Delhi Health Department said.

This is the second hospital to be sealed within 24 hours in the capital.Hindu Rao Hospital was sealed yesterday as a nurse, who had been working at different sections of the building for the last two weeks, tested positive for coronavirus.

Nearly 111 positive cases were reported yesterday in the capital which took the total number of cases to2,625.

Considering the constant increase in the number of positive cases in Delhi, the lockdown might have to be extended till May 16, said a top official in the Delhi government's Covid-19 committee.

"India is still on the ascending limb of the epidemic curve and so, to ease the restrictions will mean the cases will multiply uncontrollably. And, Delhi has a large number of containment zones, so it will be wise to extend it," said Dr S K Sarin, chairman of Delhi government's committee on combating Covid-19.

He stated that the lockdown, according to him, should be extended as that is when the epidemic curve is likely to start declining, which happens afterhe flattening of the curve.

"But, after the flattening of the curve, its decline also needs to be seen over a few weeks to make any assessment," Sarin said.