Special task force will be constituted to protect children from COVID's third wave: Arvind Kejriwal

The Chief Minister, who convened a meeting with officials to review the current COVID-19 situation in Delhi, and to deliberate on the measures to be taken to prevent the third wave of the pandemic, prioritised the increase in the number of beds, along with an increased oxygen allocation and the creation of the special task force.

He also directed the officials to work on the advance preparation of sufficient oxygen tankers and ensure the proper functioning of oxygen plants for an optimum supply of oxygen to hospitals.

Kejriwal tweeted, ''If the third wave of Corona emerges, we have to be prepared in advance to fight it, took some important decisions today in a meeting with the officials. 1. To create a special task force to protect children from the third wave 2. Adequate beds, oxygen, and better management of essential medicines.''

The third wave may require Delhi to be prepared with 40,000 oxygen beds, and the Delhi government is making preparations to install 10,000 ICU beds, a statement said.

Along with beds and oxygen management, management of medicine was also discussed.

A committee comprising officials will be formed to overlook the availability of medicines, oxygen, and beds.

Addressing the officials in the meeting, Kejriwal said, ''Increased number of COVID beds also require an increased amount of oxygen allocation to hospitals. We need to keep enough oxygen tankers at hand so that we do not fall short of supply. We also need to ensure optimum oxygen storage and proper functioning of oxygen plants.''

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and nodal minister for COVID-19 management in the national capital Manish Sisodia and Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain were also present in the meeting along with officials of the Delhi government.