By Arré Bench Apr. 08, 2020
Delhi, along with Kerala, is leading the way in India’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Taking a cue from South Korea, a Delhi lab has launched India’s first drive-through testing facility in the capital. Meanwhile, doctors on Covid-19 duty at government hospitals have been provided accommodation at Hotel Lalit.
“Test, test, test” was the simple message for all countries, from the Director General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. South Korea led the way with its mass testing efforts, testing over 20,000 people a day at more than 600 testing facilities nationwide.
From rapid walk-through test booths…
Rapid Walk-through #COVID19 Test Booths Introduced in South Korea. https://t.co/U0mzCBWhzI
— CeFaan Kim (@CeFaanKim) April 2, 2020
…To drive-through Covid-19 centers where a test takes 10 minutes, results are texted to you the next day, and the whole process is free of cost.
At drive-through COVID-19 testing centers in South Korea, the test takes 10 minutes at most.
Results are texted to you, usually the next day. And it's free — paid for by the government.https://t.co/JjvQ6lSMm3
— NPR (@NPR) March 13, 2020
South Korea has been a success story, as they managed to “flatten the curve” without imposing draconian nationwide lockdown measures. Taking a cue from our South East Asian neighbour, Dr Dang’s Labs has launched India’s first drive-through testing facility in Delhi.
Dr. Dangs Lab launches a drive-through test for suspected #COVID19 patients in Delhi.
Catch all the #CoronavirusPandemic updates: https://t.co/oCShNzKZVk pic.twitter.com/UczmAnwLlJ
— BloombergQuint (@BloombergQuint) April 8, 2020
Roll down your car window, tilt your head back, allow the collection of swab from throat and nose, then drive away. All it takes is 20 minutes and results are sent on email and phone within 36 hours. The cost of the test is Rs 4,500.
#CoronaVirusOutbreak: Dr Dangs Lab launches India’s first drive through testing facility in #Delhi. Watch @mausamii2u's exclusive report. #ITVideo pic.twitter.com/MSpnRdgja9
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) April 6, 2020
Testing in Delhi will be done via four stations set up by the private lab. Each station will have a dedicated officer for the procedure. “We’ve started this drive-through service in Punjabi Bagh (West) central market, where bookings are taken by prior appointments that need to be done on the website,” said CEO, Dr Dang’s Lab.
Delhi: Dr Dangs Lab has started a drive through sample collection service for #COVID19. 'This initiative was primarily started keeping in mind maximum safety&minimum exposure for patients&medical staff while collecting samples: Dr. Arjun Dang,Chief Executive Officer,Dr. Dangs Lab pic.twitter.com/lsy8SFxp23
— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2020
B“>
3 things are mandatory before your booking is confirmed- 1st is Govt ID (Aadhaar card/Passport), 2nd is doctor's prescription mentioning doctor’s registration no.&also that they advice COVID-19 test&3rd is a completely filled patient proforma form: Dr Arjun Dang,CEO,Dr Dangs Lab pic.twitter.com/JMylJ3jtYr
— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2020
B“>
We've started this drive-through service in Punjabi Bagh (West) central market, where bookings are taken by prior appointments that need to be done on website. Testing is offered at govt-mandated price of Rs 4500&a 20-minute slot will be given to every car:CEO,Dr. Dangs Lab,Delhi pic.twitter.com/jf2yWwq0a6
— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2020
The Delhi Government has been proactive in their fight against the coronavirus pandemic, with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal laying out the “5 Ts” to fight Covid-19. Doctors on coronavirus duty at Lok Nayak hospital and GB Pant hospital have been provided accommodation at the nearby Hotel Lalit.
Not all superheroes wear capes.. Applauding our COVID-19 warriors as they are welcomed to their abode at The LaLiT New Delhi! ❤️#TheLalitHotels #WeCare #DoingOurBit pic.twitter.com/wcjgcYzmkH
— The Lalit Hotels (@TheLalitGroup) April 5, 2020
The government has been efficient in communicating with the public on a daily basis, providing updates on the steps being taken as well as carrying out social discussions on topics like “Parenting in the times of corona”.
Parenting in the time of Corona – Special broadcast with experts for our children and their parents https://t.co/TkXahPJLIk
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 4, 2020
Delhi Government has also launched a Corona WhatsApp Helpline to answer basic questions that citizens may have.
We have launched a Corona WhatsApp Helpline to answer some of your basic questions. Send a message to +91 88000 07722
What else would you like to see in this helpline? We will keep adding more features pic.twitter.com/vd61KLHXSz
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 3, 2020
Delhi has also been at the centre of a migrant crisis and the government is making use of night shelters and schools to feed lakhs of people, making a promise that no one will go hungry in Delhi.
When lockdown started I was very concerned that with no food or money, the poor would be badly hit. We worked very hard to make a plan and execute it to ensure no one sleeps hungry
Am glad that our food relief system is working smoothly for lakhs of Delhiites https://t.co/BcK5y057cv
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 5, 2020
Delhi along with Kerala has led the way in India with ingenious ways to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, and one hopes the rest of the country can take lessons from them, and we are able to flatten the curve soon.
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