Delhi Government To Ensure Prompt And Adequate Testing Of UK Passengers To Avoid Another Covid Wave: Delhi High Court

The direction came in the view of an earlier order passed by the Bench dated 03.12.2020 in accordance of which Adv. Sandeep Sethi representing the Delhi Government stated that Govt has filed has filed a tabular chart containing number of tests and methods undertaken by the Govt from 11^th December to 21^st December 2020 reflecting daily tests, number of containment zones, fatality and mortality rates in the State.

The Bench while observing the figures presented by the Delhi Govt on increasing testing, took note of the recent decision taken by the Central Government suspending flights from United Kingdom till 31^st December 2020 in the wake of transmission of new covid variant and directed the Delhi Government to ensure prompt and adequate testing measures of people who are found positive.

"Keeping in mind the recent decision of the Central Government of suspending flights from U.K. to India till 31.12.2020 due to an apprehension of transmission of a corona virus variant that can spread very fast and the fact that a large number of persons had flown into Delhi before suspension of flights from U.K., Delhi Government shall ensure prompt and adequate testing and follow up in respect of those found positive with all seriousness to avoid another spate of infection in the city." The Bench directed.

The bench also directed the Delhi Govt to ensure that RTCPR testing remains higher than the RAT testing after the Govt of NCT of Delhi informed the Court that it is enhancing contact tracing and creating more contingent zones in districts where positivity rate is found to be higher. The bench also took note of the fact that the Delhi Govt will follow the process of "Representative Testing" which will focus more on districts to tackle the growing positivity rate in the city.

The petitioner however drew the attention of the Bench to the post covid complications faced by the recovered patients facing serious health issues and are finding it difficult to go back to normal life. He submitted that "Delhi Government may be called upon to address the issue by preparing a SOP for those suffering from post COVID complications relating to the lungs and other vital organs."

The Bench, while giving two weeks time, directed the Delhi Covid Expert Committee to examine the post covid complications aspect and draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which will be communicated to the public at large.

The matter will be listed again on 14^th January 2020.

Case Name: Rakesh Malhotra v. Govt of NCT of India & Ors.

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