Amid a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases across the country, the Delhi State Health Department has directed all government hospitals to ensure samples are collected from Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) patients and an adequate number sent for RT-PCR testing for Covid.

Instructions have also been passed to perform genome sequencing of positive RT-PCR samples as per guidelines.

As on December 19, Delhi reported a positivity rate of 0.48 per cent; 208 RT-PCR tests were conducted on the day, as reported by the IndianExpress.

The data was shared by the state health department on Thursday in view of the rising Covid cases and the emergence of JN.1, a sub-variant, a descendant of the BA.2.86 variant, commonly referred to as Pirola.

The Delhi government has also decided to implement the operational guidelines for revised surveillance strategy in the context of Covid-19, and has asked the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to share Covid testing data.

The state health department said it has been ensuring all necessary preparedness in all the Delhi government hospitals. 'Mock drills were conducted in all the Delhi Government hospitals between December 13 and December 17, to assess the preparedness on various parameters, including bed capacity, available human resources, referral services, testing capacities, logistics and availability of medical oxygen etc,' said an official from the state health department.

An official said measures will also be taken for raising community awareness for avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings, and wearing masks in crowded and close settings along with hospital premises.

Experts have advised 'Covid-appropriate behaviour' with special emphasis on hand hygiene for the susceptible population. 'Creating panic, at present may cause confusion, as there is a high incidence of cough, sore throat and other viral-like illnesses in Delhi NCR attributable to air pollution. Having said that, a susceptible population with influenza-like illness (fever, body ache, sore throat, running nose, cough) may be tested for Covid with RT PCR or home testing by a kit," Dr GC Khilnani, Chairman of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital said.