Even as Delhi is registering record-level spikes in the number of COVID-19 cases every single day, the Arvind Kejriwal-led government issued an order that would severely restrict testing of suspected patients – and also issued SOPs for those eligible for getting hospital beds.
Here’s all you need to know about the rules of testing and hospital admission in the national capital.
Who is eligible to get tested for COVID-19 in Delhi?
Only those who show mild to severe symptoms are eligible for testing. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has repeatedly asked people who are asymptomatic to not get tested for the novel coronavirus.
I am asymptomatic, but I came in contact with a coronavirus-positive person. Will I be tested?
Asymptomatic persons will be tested only if they have co-morbidities or are senior-citizens who’re currently between Day 5 and Day 10 of coming in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. The co-morbidities listed in the order are diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
Who is eligible to get admitted for coronavirus treatment in a Delhi hospital?
- The person should be COVID-19 positive and show severe symptoms
- Must be a resident of Delhi
I am a resident of Delhi-NCR. Can I be admitted to COVID-19 hospital in Delhi?
Nope, only those people who are residents of Delhi and can prove that they are from the national capital can be admitted to the Delhi government-run and most private hospitals. However, patients will be admitted to hospitals in Delhi for other purposes such as oncology, transplantation neuro-surgery etc.
What documents can I submit as a valid proof of residence?
- Voter ID
- Bank or Post Office Passbook
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Electricity/Water/Gas Bill
- Aadhaar Card made prior to 7 June 2020
What happens if there is no bed available in the hospital I go to?
In case of unavailability of beds at a hospital, it would be the sole responsibility of the hospital to transfer the patient to another one. Until then, the hospital would provide the required medical care.
I have mild symptoms of COVID-19 but I do not have enough space for home quarantine. Will I get a hospital bed?
If a person does not have enough space at their home to observe quarantine, they shall be transferred to COVID Care Centre (CCC) by the respective hospital after basic counselling.
When will the patients be discharged?
Admitted patients shall be discharged from the hospital as per the medical protocol after they test COVID-19 negative as per the latest orders issued by the Health Ministry.
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