Delhi following strategy of 'very aggressive' COVID-19 testing, conducted highest number of tests on June 26: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that the administration conducted the highest number of tests in a single day which is line with its strategy of aggressive testing and isolating sick patients.

"Delhi yesterday conducted the highest number of tests in a single day - 21,144. We have increased testing 4 times. Delhi now following the strategy of very aggressive testing and isolation," Kejriwal tweeted.

Kejriwal further said in his press conference that the number of beds for COVID-19 patients have increased significantly.

"In the last 1 week, the number of beds has increased significantly. There are 13500 beds present in Delhi now, of which 6500 are occupied," he said.

Meanwhile, ICMR has approved Antigen-based Rapid tests&supplied 50,000 such Antigen Rapid Test Kits to Delhi Govt for supporting COVID-19 containment efforts. The institution has provided the testing kits free of cost.

Moreover, it also provided diagnostic material for carrying out 4.7 lakh RT-PCR tests to the 12 functional labs in Delhi, till date.

Kejriwal in his press conference thanked the Centre for providing with the necessary testing kits.

Updating the country about the oxygen requirements for COVID-19 patients, Kejriwal stated that the administration has bought 4000 oxygen concentrators for COVID-19 patients experiencing breathing problems.

Delhi has confirmed 77,240 COVID-19 cases, including 2,492 deaths, as per the Union Health Ministry`s Saturday bulletin.

On Friday, Kejriwal said that number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital is high but the situation is under control and there is no need to worry.

Addressing a press conference here Kejriwal said, "Number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi is high but the situation is under control and there is no need to worry. We`ve increased testing by three times but positive cases have increased by around 3000 per day only. Out of the total COVID-19 patients, 45,000 people have recovered."

"There are 26,000 active cases in Delhi out of which 6,000 people are in hospitals. The rest of the patients are at their respective home and are getting treated. A total of 2,400 people have died due to the virus in the nation`s capital so far," he said.

According to the Delhi government, by July 15, the number of coronavirus patients in Delhi could be more than 2.25 lakhs. By July 31, COVID-19 cases is expected to reach 5.50 lakh.