Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday stated there should be no "VIP or non-VIP categories" for vaccinating people against COVID-19 as everyone's life is valuable. He added that priority should be given to "corona warriors", vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, and those having comorbidities.
Kejriwal said that the vaccine distribution plan will possibly be developed by the Center stating "priority-based" vaccination should be preferred.
Speaking at The Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS), 2020, Mr Kejriwal said, "The whole world is eagerly waiting for a vaccine, the Delhi government is too. Perhaps, the distribution plan will be made by the central government. If they ask for our suggestion... there should not be VIP or non-VIP categories when it comes to giving vaccination to people. Everyone is equal and everyone''s life is important.”
"We should do one thing. Priority should be given to corona warriors as they are working hard during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The second priority should be given to those who are vulnerable groups like senior citizens and then those who have comorbidities. If we make such categories, it will be technical rather than political. I would prefer this,” said CM Kejriwal.
Delhi has seen a surge in Covid cases since October 28. On Wednesday, Delhi recorded 7,486 new cases of Coronavirus and 131 fatalities which is the highest single-day death count till date.
Addressing the summit, Mr Kejriwal pointed out that though Delhi is observing "severe third wave" of coronavirus, the situation is still under control because the Delhi government has aggressively been following testing, tracing, isolation and other things under the ''Delhi Model''.
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There are 43,000 active COVID-19 cases in Delhi, out of which 25,000 patients under home isolation due to which beds are still available in hospitals. “The Delhi government is providing tele-counselling and other care to such patients," he said.
On Thursday, the AAP government announced strict measures to control the alarming situation which includes a high fine for not wearing a mask, ie, ₹ 2,000, reservation of ICU beds in private hospitals up to 80 per cent, doubling testing centres in every district and suspension of non-critical surgeries at health facilities.