Delhi Minister Satyendar Kumar Jain was hospitalised on Monday evening after complaining of high-grade fever and shortness of breath, both symptoms of COVID-19. Jain was admitted to the Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital, a designated facility for COVID-19 cases in D
Jain tweeted on Tuesday morning, “Due to high grade fever and a sudden drop of my oxygen levels last night I have been admitted to RGSSH. Will keep everyone updated.” Jain has been tested for COVID-19 and the results are awaited.
Jain handles various portfolios in the Delhi government, including health, industries, public work department and transport. In his capacity as health minister, Jain has been a prominent face in the AAP government’s fight against COVID-19.
His hospitalisation could have an impact on the AAP government’s response to COVID-19 given his role as health minister. Moreover, Jain was present at a high-level meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday that discussed the COVID-19 situation in Delhi. That meeting was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal and other officials. Jain’s hospitalisation could mean these participants may need to go into quarantine.
Last week, Kejriwal was tested for COVID-19 and went into self-isolation after developing fever. However, he tested negative.
Delhi is the state that is the third-worst affected by COVID-19 in the country. As of Monday, Delhi has seen 42,829 cases of COVID-19 and 1,400 deaths from the virus.
Last week, the Delhi government warned Delhi could see 5.5 lakh COVID-19 cases by July 31 as it sought to allocate more hospital facilities to residents.