In continuing with consistent endeavours of the Delhi Government to provide relief at this difficult time, Raghav Chadha, MLA from Rajinder Nagar on Sunday commenced free RT-PCR testing at large-scale using mobile vans across his Assembly constituency.
The first round of this extensive drive was done through a Covid-19 Mobile Testing Van at Bada Bazar Marg, Old Rajinder Nagar through a special mobile van, dedicated exclusively for Covid-19 testing. The residents of and around Old Rajinder Nagar availed the facilities free of cost.
"Increased RT-PCR testing is an effective way of knowing just how much COVID-19 has spread in Delhi. We do not want to be a mere statistic, but take proactive and effective steps to contain the further spread of this dreadful pandemic. I urge citizens to please get tested as when they exhibit the slightest of symptoms. That can go a long way in saving many lives and containing the spread," Chadha said.
“More than 170 people, including the AAP MLA Raghav himself got their RT-PCR tests done at the COVID-19 mobile testing van at Old Rajinder Nagar. At the mobile van, a person is required to only share their name, phone number and address to register for the test. Within 24 hours the result of the Test will be sent to your mobile phone" said Chadha.
With a view to encourage more and more people to get themselves tested at the Mobile Testing Van, and as a confidence building measure, Chadha himself got tested there and then at the mobile van.
Chadha also distributed masks to several people along the Bada Bazaar Marg stretch and demonstrated how to properly wear a mask, urging citizens to continue to get tested should there be any symptoms at all, and wear their masks properly.
"It is imperative that people wear their masks properly. By that, we mean wearing it over your noses. I have observed several people wearing their masks incorrectly. We cannot afford to be mask-complacent even for a minute," Chadha said.
The Delhi government has increased the fine for not wearing a mask in a public place to INR 2,000, from the earlier INR 500. "The increase in this amount is for the benefit and betterment of the citizens. This is not a form of government revenue. It is supposed to act as a deterrent," Chadha said.
"As an analogy, think of this fine as the bitter medicine you were to make to swallow in your childhood, whenever you fell ill. Despite their child's discomfort, parents knew the bitter medicine is required to make their child recover from illness. To beat any lockdown fatigue and to make our residents aware, the INR 2,000 fine will act as a deterrent."
The Aam Aadmi Party government has also increased the number of ICU beds. In private hospitals, 60 per cent beds and 80 per cent in ‘Intensive Care Unit’ (ICU) beds are for COVID-19 patients. "We know more now than we did in March, and are taking every step possible to make people from all quarters feel heard. We would also like to thank all stakeholders for their cooperation in helping Delhi get more ICU beds. As per the plan and strategy, Delhi has now sufficient number of ICU beds, the numbers of ICU beds are increasing. Very soon Delhi will get 1400 additional ICU beds" Chadha said.