Delhi Reports decline in Positivity Rate, State Government caps RT-PCR test rates by Private Labs at ₹800

National Capital continues to struggle in containing COVID-19. Delhi recorded 3,726 new coronavirus cases and 108 deaths in the past 24 hours and the fatality rate remains around the 1.6 per cent mark, which is marginally higher than the national average of 1.5 per cent. The positivity rate is 7.4 per cent to 3.8 per cent nationally. However, Delhi continues to register decline in positivity which had gone as high as 25%.

Meanwhile, on Monday evening Delhi government passed an order thereby capping the price of RT PCR test rates at Rs 800 at private labs. Tests conducted at government hospitals are free. With this order, the tests, which can cost up to ₹ 2,400 will now be capped at ₹ 800. Delhi government also added  that samples collected through home visits, including all-charges collections, samples collection and testing costs, will be capped at ₹1,200.

"All private labs, hospitals shall display the revised rates at prominent places within 24 hours," the order stated. It also conveyed that the order comes into effect immediately and should be followed strictly.
Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said he has issued directives to reduce the price of the RT-PCR test in the national capital, saying it will help those going to private labs for COVID-19 tests. "I have directed that the rates of RT PCR tests be reduced in Delhi. Whereas tests are being conducted free of cost in govt establishments, however this will help those who get their tests done in pvt labs," Kejriwal tweeted.

RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test are two types of tests done to detect novel coronavirus. Both tests are done free at government testing centres and hospitals, but not at private clinics or hospitals. Currently, people have to spend ₹2,400 for the RT-PCR test at private labs.

Delhi has struggled to contain a fresh wave of Covid infections that started in the first week of November. On November 12 daily cases crossed 8,000 for the first time, prompting Home Minister Amit Shah to step in and drawing a series of withering criticisms from the Delhi High Court.

Shah directed the Delhi government to scale up testing and focus on the RT-PCR variety. The shortage hospital beds was also discussed. The Delhi government ordered several private hospitals to reserve 80 per cent of their ICU beds and the centre said it too would provide more beds.

This week the centre told the Supreme Court that the Delhi government took "no effective preventive steps" to check the spread of the virus. The centre said the city had been warned of a spike in cases because of the combination of winter, the festive season and air pollution.

Chief Minister Kejriwal has blamed worsening air quality (due to stubble burning in neighbouring states) for the spike, and earlier said the situation should be in hand by the end of November.

The national capital has reported over 5.7 lakh cases since the pandemic began in December last year, with more than 9,000 people having died in the city. The active caseload is over 32,000.