Covid-19: Delhi reports drop in weekly cases

In what could be an early sign that Delhi’s third Covid wave is now abating, the capital reported a drop in fresh cases last week, reversing a five-week trend of rising infections. Delhi recorded 44,458 cases during the week (November 15-22), still the highest in the country for the third week running, but down from 46,876 in the previous week. While the dip brings some cheer to the capital, which has seen weekly cases rise steadily since October 4-11, it remains to be seen whether the trend holds this week, when the impact of festivals (Diwali and Bhai Dooj) will begin to be felt. Covid-related deaths, however, rose sharply in the capital with 777 fatalities last week, up from 625 in the previous seven days. With this, Delhi posted the highest deaths in the country last week, a first for the city.